Wangari Maathai
“In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.” (Maathai, 2004)
Wangari Matthai was born in 1940 in Kenya, Africa. Although it was very uncommon for girls to continue education at this time, she did not give up. She pursued her studies in Biological Science, in various countries. Surpassing all the limitations that existed, Professor Maathai was the first women in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree.
Besides the great accomplishment of being a Professor, Wangari Matthai was involved in political activism too. Apart from all the valuable work she did for human rights, democracy, serving as a board member in many organizations, she was also recognized for being an extremely relevant environmental activist.
Maathai founded the “Green Belt Movement”, in 1977. This organization has as its main focus the plantation of trees, environmental conservation and women’s rights. It has since planted more than 51 million trees.
After outweighing all limitations that had been put in her way and all she had done for the causes she fought for, in 2004, Professor Wangari was awarded with a Nobel Peace Price, due to her contribution to the environment, democracy and peace. In the committees words, Wangari “stands at the front of the fight to promote ecologically viable social, economic and cultural development in Kenya and in Africa. She has taken a holistic approach to sustainable development that embraces democracy, human rights and women’s rights in particular. She thinks globally and acts locally.” (Norwegian Nobel Committee, 2004).
References:
[1] The Nobel Prize. Wangari Maathai – Facts. Retrieved from: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2004/maathai/facts/ on 2020, May 13.
[2] The Green Belt Movement. Wangari Maathai — Biography Retrieved from: https://www.greenbeltmovement.org/wangari-maathai/biography on 2020, May 13.
[1] The Nobel Prize (2004, December). Wangari Maathai – Nobel Lecture. Retrieved from: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2004/maathai/26050-wangari-maathai-nobel-lecture-2004/ on 2020, May 13.
Greta Thundberg
“I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrom, OCD and selective mustism. That basically means I only speak when I think it’s necessary. Now is one of those moments.” (Thundberg, 2018)
For the last year, we have heard a lot about Greta. Who is she really, right? Let’s find out!
Greta was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, OCD and selective mutism in 2011 but that didn’t stop her from fighting for the planet. And she is now one of the most recognised environment activists in the world!
She started by changing hers and her family’s habits. For example, they became vegan, started to cycle instead of using the car or public transports in short distances and even gave up flying! WOW, that last one must have been rough!
Through the years, she noticed that the environment’s situation wasn’t getting any better. But what really upset her, was that governments weren’t paying enough attention to this matter. She then began the school climate strikes.
After posting a photo of one of the strikes on her social media and other environment activists sharing it on their accounts, more and more people started to go to these protests, and they became quite popular in Sweden.
Now, teenagers all around the world follow her example. And if you look for @fridaysforfortune on Instagram, you will see how many people are fighting for a greener planet.
Greta has been present in several Summits, has gave speeches in parliaments and has given many interviews, we will leave some linked bellow!
Hope you feel inspired to become a better citizen,
Green Impact Team
References:
[1] Thundberg, G. (2018, November). The disarming case to act right now on climate change. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2QxFM9y0tY&t=5s on 2020, April 23.
[2] The Famous People. Greta Thunberg Biography. Retrieved from: https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/greta-thunberg-47896.php on 2020, April 23.
Green Impact 