13 Famous Environmental Activists

Environmental activism is the movement of people who are concerned about the protection and conservation of the natural world. These famous Environmental activists use various methods, such as protests, campaigns, petitions, lawsuits, education, and advocacy, to raise awareness and influence policies and behaviors that affect the environment.

In this article, we will introduce you to 13 famous environmental activists who have made significant contributions to the environmental movement. These activists come from different backgrounds, countries, and generations, but they share a common passion and vision for a greener and more sustainable future.

13 Famous Environmental Activists

1. Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish teenager who became a global phenomenon after she started a school strike for climate action in 2018. She inspired millions of students around the world to join her in demanding urgent action from governments and corporations to address the climate crisis. She has also spoken at various international platforms, such as the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and the COP conferences, where she delivered powerful speeches that challenged the status quo and called for radical change.

2. Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977. The movement mobilized thousands of women to plant trees across Kenya to combat deforestation, soil erosion, and poverty. She also advocated for democracy, human rights, and women’s empowerment in her country and beyond. She faced many challenges and threats from the authoritarian regime, but she never gave up her fight for environmental justice.

3. David Attenborough

David Attenborough is a British broadcaster and naturalist who has produced and narrated some of the most influential documentaries on wildlife and nature. His series, such as Planet Earth, Blue Planet, and Life on Earth, have captivated millions of viewers with their stunning visuals and compelling stories. He has also used his platform to raise awareness and educate the public about the threats facing the natural world, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution.

4. Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson was an American biologist and writer who is widely regarded as the founder of the modern environmental movement. Her book Silent Spring, published in 1962, exposed the harmful effects of pesticides on wildlife and human health. It sparked a public outcry and led to the banning of DDT and other chemicals in the United States. It also inspired the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Endangered Species Act.

5. Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio is an American actor and environmentalist who has used his fame and fortune to support various causes related to climate change, wildlife conservation, ocean protection, and indigenous rights. He has donated millions of dollars to various organizations and projects through his foundation. He has also produced and starred in documentaries, such as The 11th Hour and Before the Flood, that highlight the urgency and solutions of the climate crisis.

6. Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall is a British primatologist and conservationist who is best known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania. She spent decades observing their behavior and social structure, revealing their intelligence, emotions, and culture. She also discovered that they use tools, hunt, and wage war. Her work challenged the conventional views of human-animal relationships and raised ethical questions about animal welfare and rights. She also founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which works to protect chimpanzees and their habitats.