Climate Heroes

Professor Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, which has planted over 51 million trees across Kenya. She taught women that by caring for the environment, they could also improve their lives. Her work showed the world that protecting nature and fighting for human rights go hand in hand.

Elizabeth Wathuti started her environmental journey at age 7 when she planted her first tree. She founded the Green Generation Initiative to nurture young environmental stewards. Her powerful speech at COP26 in Glasgow called on world leaders to open their hearts to protect our planet.

Dr. Richard Leakey dedicated his life to understanding human origins and protecting Kenya's wildlife. As head of Kenya Wildlife Service, he famously burned ivory stockpiles to protest poaching. His work helped save elephants and inspired conservation efforts worldwide.

Kaossara Sani became an activist after seeing how climate change affected her community. She co-founded Youth for Climate Togo and represents African youth at international climate conferences. She fights for climate justice and ensures African perspectives are heard.

Vanessa Nakate started her climate activism by protesting alone outside the Ugandan Parliament. She founded the Rise Up Movement and the Green Schools Project. She speaks out about how climate change disproportionately affects Africa and advocates for solutions that center African communities.

Greta Thunberg began striking outside the Swedish Parliament at age 15, demanding action on climate change. Her solo protest sparked a global movement called Fridays for Future, inspiring millions of young people to demand climate action from their governments.