Inspiring Action, Driving Change: Activists At The Forefront Of World Environment Day 2024

World Environment Day is becoming increasingly important in a world where we are at the intersection of an ecological crisis and a revolutionary opportunity. As we celebrate this global rallying to mark a record-breaking year, we must acknowledge the urgent action from all that is required to safeguard and repair our planet. 

Recognition of the environmental activist by BW Businessworld 

Vandana Shiva (Environmental Scientist, Author, Activist)

Vandana Shiva is an esteemed Indian environmental scientist, author and activist known for her extensive work in promoting biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and social justice. Born in Dehradun, India, she has emerged as a global leader in advocating for ecological integrity and the rights of farmers.

Vandana holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Science from the University of Western Ontario, with her dissertation focusing on the philosophical underpinnings of quantum mechanics. Her scientific background and profound commitment to environmental causes have shaped her activism and writings. 

In 1982, Vandana founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology (RFSTE), a public-interest research organisation dedicated to addressing significant ecological and social issues. She later established Navdanya, a movement to protect the diversity and integrity of living resources, particularly native seeds. Navdanya promotes organic farming and fair trade, aiming to empower farmers and preserve traditional agricultural practices.

As a prolific author, Vandana has written numerous books and articles highlighting the dangers of industrial agriculture, genetic modification, and corporate control over seeds and food systems. Her influential works include ‘Staying Alive,’ ‘Earth Democracy’ and ‘Biopiracy.’ 

Wangari Maathai (Founder of the Green Belt Movement)

Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmentalist, political activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, best known for founding the Green Belt Movement. Born in Nyeri, Kenya, she became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contributions to sustainable development, democracy and peace.

In 1977, Wangari founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental organisation that focuses on tree planting, environmental conservation and women's rights. The movement aimed to address deforestation, soil erosion and water scarcity while empowering rural women by providing them with resources and training to plant trees. To date, the Green Belt Movement has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya, significantly improving both the environment and the livelihoods of many communities.

Wangari authored several books, including her autobiography "Unbowed," which chronicles her life and activism. Wangari Maathai passed away on September 25, 2011, but her contributions to environmental conservation and human rights live through. 

Sundarlal Bahuguna (Leader of Chipko Movement)

Sundarlal Bahuguna was a prominent Indian environmentalist and a pivotal leader of the Chipko Movement, a grassroots forest conservation campaign that began in the 1970s in Uttarakhand, India. Born on January 9, 1927, in the village of Maroda, Bahuguna dedicated his life to the protection of India's natural resources and advocating for sustainable development.

The Chipko Movement, which means “to hug” in Hindi, involved local villagers, particularly women, who embraced trees to prevent them from being felled by loggers. Under Bahuguna's leadership, this non-violent resistance drew global attention to the importance of forest conservation and the rights of indigenous communities.

Bahuguna's activism extended beyond the Chipko Movement. He campaigned against large-scale dam projects in the Himalayas, highlighting their ecological and social impacts. 

A recipient of numerous awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, Bahuguna's legacy is one of unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice. Sundarlal Bahuguna passed away on May 21, 2021, but his impact endures through the countless lives and landscapes he touched.

Artemisa Xakriabá (Human Rights Activist)

Artemisa Xakriabá is a Brazilian human rights and environmental activist known for her advocacy on behalf of indigenous communities and her efforts to protect the Amazon rainforest. A member of the Xakriabá people, she has become a prominent voice in the global movement for indigenous rights and environmental conservation.

From a young age, Artemisa has been deeply involved in activism, driven by the urgent need to address the deforestation and exploitation of indigenous lands in Brazil. She has participated in numerous international forums, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where she has passionately spoken about the critical role of indigenous knowledge and leadership in combating climate change.

Elizabeth Wathuti (Climate Activist)

Elizabeth Wathuti is a prominent Kenyan environmentalist and climate activist, renowned for her tireless efforts in promoting sustainability and combating climate change. Born in Nyeri County, she developed an early love for nature, which she channeled into impactful activism. Elizabeth graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and Community Development from Kenyatta University.

In 2016, she founded the Green Generation Initiative (GGI), dedicated to nurturing young environmentalists, promoting tree planting and fostering environmental stewardship among the youth. Through GGI, thousands of trees have been planted across Kenya, aiming to combat deforestation and promote biodiversity.

Elizabeth’s work has earned her international recognition, including the prestigious UN Environment Programme’s Young Champions of the Earth Award for Africa in 2019. She has delivered powerful speeches at global forums, such as COP26, urging world leaders to take urgent action on climate change.

Jadav Payeng (Activist and Forest Scientist)

Jadav Payeng, often referred to as the "Forest Man of India," is a renowned environmental activist and forest scientist from Assam, India. His extraordinary journey of ecological restoration began in 1979 when he witnessed the devastating effects of erosion and deforestation on Majuli Island in the Brahmaputra River, determined to make a change, he started planting trees on a barren sandbar, transforming it into a lush forest over several decades. Today, the Molai forest, named after him, spans approximately 1,360 acres and is home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses and numerous bird species.

Jadav has been honoured with several awards, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, in 2015 and his story has been featured in numerous documentaries and articles.

John Paul Jose (Environmental and Climate Justice Activist)

John Paul Jose is a prominent Indian environmental and climate justice activist known for his unwavering commitment to climate change and advocating for sustainable practices. John’s activism began at a young age, driven by a deep concern for the escalating environmental crises and their impact on marginalised communities, he has been actively involved in numerous grassroots initiatives, promoting renewable energy, biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. 

John has represented India at various international platforms, including United Nations climate conferences and global youth summits. His work extends to educating and mobilising youth, encouraging them to take active roles in environmental conservation. 

Max Hidalgo (Innovator and Environmentalist)

Max Hidalgo is a Peruvian innovator and environmentalist renowned for his groundbreaking work in addressing water scarcity through the conversion of atmospheric moisture into potable water. His efforts have brought immense relief to rural communities in Peru, where access to clean water is often limited. His invention not only addresses immediate water needs but also promotes long-term environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on traditional water sources that are often overexploited.

Max’s achievements have earned him international recognition and numerous awards. 

Max’s innovative approach involves the use of specially designed devices that capture humidity from the air and condense it into water and this technology, known as "Yawa," leverages renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to operate, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for regions suffering from water shortages. 

Barkha Rawat

BW Reporters The author works as a correspondent with BW Education