Bangalore’s recent water shortages and soaring temperatures aren’t isolated incidents but are, in fact, part of the climate crisis taking place across India and the world. From water shortage in cities like Chennai, Cape Town and Istanbul to heatwaves in Asia, Europe and America, these environmental challenges highlight the need for immediate action by us.
Environmentalists play an important role here. They advocate for sustainable practices and protect our planet in the long run. Their activism helps find solutions to deal with climate change and conserve natural resources. International Mother Earth Day, celebrated every year on April 22nd, aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection. It encourages us to come together and take action to preserve our planet. The theme for International Mother Earth Day varies each year and focusses on different environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss or sustainable development.
This day also brings our attention to environmentalists, who work hard to care for our planet. Join us as we take a moment to appreciate these dedicated individuals.
Vandana Shiva
Vandana Shiva is an Indian environmental activist and author. She is renowned for her work on biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Shiva has founded Navdanya, a network of seed keepers and producers. Her organisation aims to promote organic farming and seed saving to tackle the adverse effects of industrial agriculture. Through her writings and activism, she emphasises the need for a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices, the kind that ensures food security and environmental sustainability.
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist. Through her powerful speeches and advocacy, she has inspired millions to take action against climate change. Thunberg’s journey began with her solo school strike for climate outside the Swedish Parliament in 2018. Since then, she has been recognised with numerous awards for her activism. Despite facing innumerable challenges, Thunberg uses her voice to demand effective action to combat climate crisis.
Isabella Tree
Isabella Tree is a British author and environmentalist, who advocates for rewilding—the restoration of natural ecosystems. She actively promotes the benefits of rewilding through lectures, workshops and collaborative projects. Her work challenges conventional agricultural practices and encourages a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. She also stresses on the importance of keeping the ecological balance intact for future generations.
Paul Watson
Paul Watson is a Canadian-American marine conservationist dedicated to protecting the oceans and marine life. His fearless approach to confronting illegal fishing vessels and whaling operations has garnered admiration from people across the world. Watson is also a prolific writer and speaker and uses his platform to raise awareness about critical issues facing our oceans. He urges people to take part in conservation efforts with a sense of urgency.
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall is a British primatologist whose groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania transformed our understanding of them. Through decades of hard work, Goodall has highlighted the urgent need for wildlife conservation. Goodall is also a passionate advocate for environmental education and community-led conservation initiatives; through the global non-profit organisation Jane Goodall Institute, headquartered in Washington DC, she continues to inspire individuals to take action for the planet and its inhabitants.
Jadav Payeng
Affectionately called the Forest Man of India, Jadav Payeng hails from the northeastern Indian state of Assam. His dedication to nature began in the early 1980s when he started planting trees on a barren sandbar in the Brahmaputra River. Today, this land has blossomed into a lush forest spanning over 1,360 acres. Payeng’s efforts have created a thriving ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna. His journey reminds us of the impact that a single man can have on the environment.
Sumaira Abdulali
Sumaira Abdulali is an environmental activist from India who has been combating illegal sand mining along the coasts of Mumbai for years. She is the founder of the NGO, Awaaz Foundation, and advocates for the protection of our coastal ecosystems while raising awareness about the harmful impact of sand mining on our environment. Through her ceaseless efforts, Abdulali has contributed to the enforcement of stricter regulations and the preservation of our coastal habitats.
Kinkri Devi
Kinkri Devi is an environmentalist from Himachal Pradesh, renowned for her legal battle against environmental degradation caused by limestone mining in her village. Despite facing numerous challenges and threats, Devi’s activism has led to the closure of several illegal limestone quarries. Her commitment towards the environment has inspired many and left a lasting impact on India’s environmental activism.
MC Mehta
MC Mehta is a renowned environmental lawyer and activist who has played a pivotal role in shaping environmental jurisprudence in India. Throughout his career, Mehta has filed numerous public interest litigations (PILs) addressing various environmental issues, from air and water pollution to deforestation and wildlife conservation. His cases have led to significant legal reforms in environmental laws and the protection of natural resources across the country.
Rajendra Singh
Rajendra Singh is often referred to as the ‘Waterman of India’. He is an environmentalist and a water conservationist. Singh has dedicated his life to revitalising traditional water harvesting methods in rural communities. Through his organisation, he has led the restoration of over 5,000 water bodies. Singh’s innovative approach blends ancient wisdom with modern techniques. His commitment to water conservation has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize.
These environmentalists, in their unique and tireless ways, have made significant contributions to environmental conservation. From reforestation and marine conservation to sustainable agriculture, their dedication showcases the diverse approaches needed to address the challenges of our changing world. Their work serves as a reminder that collective action is essential to create a sustainable future for all.
FAQs
What is International Mother Earth Day?
International Mother Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd every year to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote actions that protect our planet.
What is the theme for International Mother Earth Day?
The theme for International Mother Earth Day varies each year and focusses on different environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss or sustainable development.
How can I participate in International Mother Earth Day?
You can participate in International Mother Earth Day by organising or attending environment-related events, volunteering for clean-up activities and planting trees.
How does International Mother Earth Day contribute to environmental conservation?
International Mother Earth Day encourages individuals, communities and governments worldwide to take measures to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices.