Meet the Activists

Worldwide, Indigenous communities protect 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity through the defense and governance of their territories, aided by traditional knowledge systems. With the natural habitats they depend on at risk from extractive industries, climate change, and environmental degradation, we support Indigenous leaders rising up to protect their rights to clean air, water, and soil.

The next generations will bear the brunt of our actions, or lack of action, on climate change today. Their views are also innovative and break beyond hardened boundaries, incorporating a justice-based and intersectional approach to the work. This is why youth voices and organizing are leading the way to a healthier future and planet. We support youth activists worldwide taking action now to protect the planet for future generations.

One in seven people in the world have some form of disability, but like women, Indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups, they are routinely left out of conversations and action to protect rights to a clean and healthy environment. With the unique insights about their own situation and barriers, people with disabilities are taking important leadership in environmental justice movements, proposing creative and relevant solutions to improve their communities and protect our shared planet.

Across the globe, the risks of defending community rights to the environment are increasing. Many governments and corporations are tightening the vice on civil society, and those in power continue to use violence to suppress activists who are standing up to protect the planet and their communities. We support environmental defenders at risk, helping to address the drivers of shrinking civil society spaces.

Women around the world protect the environment, manage natural resources, ensure food security for their communities, and are leading transformations to mitigate climate change and create low-carbon economies. However, they are disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation and commonly denied access to decision-making and ownership of resources. Lasting change must include women’s voices and address gender inequalities. We are the world’s leading supporter of women as agents of environmental change.