Environmentalists to be inspired by in 2020

With wildfires ranging across the other side of the globe, and as many microplastics as ever washing up on our beaches in North Devon, it is clear that the environmental challenges that face us are critical.

Amidst the despair of negative news, lets turn our attention to some key environmental figures whose work and action can unite us in hope for the coming decade. There are many out there, here are just a few (including some who you may not have heard of before).

Global:

Greta Thunberg
Swedish Greta has inspired hundreds of thousands of people to take to the streets to call for climate actions over the past 18 months, not to mention visiting world leaders and making numerous compelling speeches amongst rooms of some of the world’s most powerful people. If you’re free on Fridays, get out there and join the movement.
Check out Fridays for Future Barnstaple for our local events here.

Rob Greenfield
Rob is an American adventurer, environmentalist, activist and humanitarian. He is dedicated to leading the way to a more sustainable and just world.
His endeavours have included cycling across America on a bamboo bicycle, wearing all of the rubbish that he created for a month in a project known as The Trash Man, and more recently only consuming food that he had grown or foraged for an entire year. His message is full of hope for the future, and values the impact of small changes made by many individuals. Well worth a follow on social media.
We’re really excited to say that Rob will be joining us in North Devon in 2020 to inspire us through a speaking event. Keep an eye on our social media for more details soon.

Gillian Burke
Kenyan-born Gillian studied Biology at Britsol University and now is a natural history television producer, a voice over artist and has been a co-presenter on BBC Springwatch since 2017.
Gillian is an influential voice for nature and protecting the natural world.
We are extremely proud to say that Gillian emailed us to let us know how much she loved our Plastic Free North Devon film – we couldn’t be more thrilled! Her voice also features in a series of short film about North Devon, which have recently been released. Watch the taster here.

Maddison Stewart
Australian Madison Stewart, aka "Shark Girl," is probably one of a very few people who refer to sharks as "adorable." She grew up near the iconic Great Barrier Reef, which is where her love of sharks began from a very young age. Since beginning scuba diving at the age of 12 she has noticed a drastic decrease in shark populations. At the age of 16 she decided to dedicate her life to the preservation and protection of sharks and has been working tirelessly as an activist ever since.
Maddison is totally worth following on social media, and there’s lots of video content about her available too.

Local:

These wonderful people are based right here in the South West. We feel so proud that the work that the work that they do is, at least in part, inspired by this beautiful corner of the earth in North Devon that we all call home.

Satish Kumar
Satish is a long term peace and environmental activist. Satish has quietly been setting the global agenda for change for decades, through peace walks, setting up and supporting  educational institutions,  speaking at venues around the world, editing the popular Resurgence Magazine and writing a number of books. If you haven’t already, we recommend getting into his latest book, Elegant Simplicity.

Sophie Pavelle
Sophie is an adventurous Zoologist and science communicator. Through various social media streams she brings attention to the beauty and importance of doorstep British Wildlife, and shares her fierce passion for conservation.
Sophie is a Wildlife Trusts Youth Ambassador, and is often out exploring the beautiful landscapes across Devon. Sophie’s Youtube Channel includes a rage of interesting nature and conservation topics.

Cal Major
Cal is an ocean advocate, veterinary surgeon and adventure-seeker, passionate about connecting people to our oceans, and protecting the ecosystems and animals within them. She does this through speaking, presenting, campaigning, writing and films. Check out her website here. In recent years Cal has undertaken a series of spectacular and challenging adventures, all to raise awareness of the plight of our oceans. She’s also been an avid and valuable supporter of Plastic Free North Devon since its outset, and we’re really grateful for all the work that she does.

We know that the energy and enthusiasm of these wonderful people might seem like an overwhelming aim to aspire to. But every single little positive change that you make moves us towards a collective hopeful future for ourselves and the environment. Think back to those final few words in our film, and be brave enough to take a few little steps towards sustainability and advocating for the environment…

“I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything. But I can do something.
Because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

We would be really grateful, if you are able, if you could sign up as a supporter to help us continue our important work.