Efforts and Actions to promote, impede, direct, or intervene in social, political, economic, or environmental reform with the desire to make changes in society toward a perceived greater good.
We are all familiar with activists. Those wellknown people who use their voices, actions and platforms to talk about what needs to change for people and the planet. Let’s start with a look at some of these voices for the environment…
This 95 year old gentleman needs no introduction. In recent years, Sir David Attenborough’s films, books and public appearances have made it very clear how he feels about this planet and what needs to change. That iconic voice we have come to trust when it comes to all things natural.
Dr Jane Goodall, now 87 years old, is a gifted storyteller. Another voice of her generation, like Sir David, who never thought they would be the voice for voiceless in this way. But they answered the call and continue to speak and act long after their earned retirement.
Actors and celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Julia Roberts seem perfectly poised to use their platform to speak for Nature.
We also have incredible young people, just ordinary teenagers, becoming activists. The first time I really realised the power of youth using their voice for change was hearing Severn Suzuki’s speech at the Rio Environment Summit in 1992. I was shown the video clip of her speech in my first year of university and it stuck with me – her courage, her righteous anger. Today there is Greta Thunberg and her schools for climate strike action. And I find Lauren Singer’s zero waste journey incredibly inspiring!
Really, we are all called to be activists. We don’t need to be a celebrity or a wellknown scientist. We don’t need to march in the streets or protest outside parliament (although these actions are needed too). We all need to find that one next right thing that we can do. Then do it often and fiercely. Maybe you lead a vegan lifestyle. Maybe you compost diligently. Maybe you recycle religiously. Maybe you aim for a zero waste lifestyle. Maybe you are into slow fashion. Maybe you are an entrepreneur focused on sustainable business practice. Maybe you are a tree planter. Whatever it is, do it often, do it well. This fight for our planet and humanity needs all of us to be Activists.