We have less than 12 years to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half to save our planet – a daunting task that requires a total transformation of the global economy. A complete change to the way we do things.
The effects of climate change are disastrous, with more floods, storms, droughts and wildfires than ever before. Climate change is no longer a far-off future problem - its happening now and we need to be the change.
There are a few among us who are fighting for our future. These shining stars of hope are making sure that governments and businesses understand the implications of climate change in-action.
Saving the world is a tough job but someone’s got to do it.
Greta Thunberg – Sweden
If you haven't heard of this environmental heroine, well you must be living under a rock - she's THE face of climate change activism.
At just 16 years old she's already been nominated for a Nobel Peace Price for her work! Greta has spoken at the World Economic Forum, lobbied at the United Nations Climate Talks and stood tall in front of European Parliament. She's holding government to account and taking names. Her calm yet bracing clarity has sparked an International youth movement against climate change.
Ridhima Pandey – India
Frolicking outside without a care in the world may seem like bliss for average child, but not for Ridhima Pandey. At just 9 years old Ridhima had bigger fish to fry – she filed a lawsuit against the Indian government over its failure to address climate change.
In her lawsuit she called on the government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop a carbon reduction strategy and create plans for recovering from the effects of climate change.
Luisa Neubauer – Germany
Often dubbed the ‘German Greta Thunberg’ (quite the accolade!), the 22 year old has organised Germany’s huge ‘#Fridays for Future’ climate change marches, a movement that Greta originally began in 2018.
Luisa works with climate change organisations such as 350.org and regularly advocates for climate change action at diplomatic events.
Rayanne Cristine Maximo Franca – Brazil
Home to the lungs of the word, there’s no better place to fight against climate change than Brazil. Since president Jair Bolsonaro took office, the country has seen a sharp spike in deforestation throughout the Amazon rainforest and indigenous land had been ransacked.
Rayanne’s activism focuses on empowering indigenous women as she believes this is key to protecting the environment – these groups advocate for the protection of the Amazon.
Marinel Ubaldo – Philippines
Following the tragic death of some of Marinel’s friends and family following the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, she vowed to dedicate her life to fighting for climate justice.
The Philippines is extremely vulnerable to cyclones which are exacerbated by the warming oceans and rising sea levels – her father is a fisherman so Marinel understands how climate change can also impact peoples livelihoods.
In 2018 she spoke in front of thousands of people at the New York protect for environmental injustice and continues to protest and make her voice heard.
We can’t all be eco-heroes, but we can all make simple changes to help the planet. Check out our blog on the top 10 eco swaps and say goodbye to those plastic bags with our VÄRLDEN Tote.