Global warming and the frequent changes in the climate are alarming causes for nature and all the living beings on Earth. The impacts of global warming and climatic changes are wide-ranging and complex which not only affect the natural environment but also the living organisms and economies. Global warming has been a vital issue as it's growing rapidly with each passing day. There are several causes for this increasing global warming and climatic changes which hampers both flora and fauna.
Earth Day is an annual event that is celebrated every year on 22 April to create awareness about the environment and promote its protection. The day is observed in more than 190 nations by performing various tasks such as planting, cleanups, debates, etc. The theme for this year's Earth Day is "Invest in our Planet".
On this World Earth Day, we shine the spotlight on Indian women activists who are raising their voices to create awareness among the people of both Indian society and globally. These ‘Climate Activists’ raise awareness among people and urge them to follow the path of sustainable development and call for a change in society.
Womenentrepreneurindia has listed 8 Indian women climate activists who are working to save the environment.
Bhumi Pednekar
Bhumi Pednekar, a multi-talented Bollywood actress is also a notable climate activist who fights against climate change. She has been associated with several environmental campaigns and initiatives which includes, including "One Wish For The Earth" which aims at encouraging people to lead on a path of sustainable development. Bhumi has also actively promoted an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle by addressing the concerning issues regarding climatic changes, waste management, and pollution caused by plastics. She has been encouraging people to use electric vehicles to reduce pollution and urges people to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
Dia Mirza
Dia Mirza is a well-known Indian actress, producer, and climate activist. She is actively committed to promoting sustainability and bringing awareness to environmental issues. She is the brand ambassador of the Wildlife Trust of India and also the UN Environment's Goodwill Ambassador. She has also been involved in several projects and initiatives for the welfare of society and the environment. She has been vocal about air pollution, waste management, and climate change. She has also participated in several advocacy campaigns to encourage people to a sustainable future.
Disha Ravi
Disha Ravi is a well-known outspoken climate activist who has taken part in various campaigns and initiatives that aim to promote sustainability and raises awareness about environmental issues. She is the co-founder of the 'Fridays for Future' movement in India. This youth activist hails from Bangalore and has been arrested in 2021 for alleged involvement in the "Toolkit" case which was related to farmers’ protests in India. Disha's detention sparked a wave of protests and criticism from other activists and later she was released.
Jamuna Tudu
Jamuna Tudu is popularly known as the "Lady Tarzan" or the "Forest Mother". She is an Indian environmental activist who has spent more than 20 years in forest preservation of her native state Jharkhand. She has played a significant role in encouraging the community to protect forests and promote sustainable development. She started her journey in the 1990s when she formed a group along with a group of women in her village named "Van Suraksha Samiti" (Firest Protection Committee) and began patrolling the forests to stop illegal activities of logging and mining. Jamuna also received the Padma Shri award in 2021 for her work.
Ridhima Pandey
The young Indian climate activist Ridhima Pandey has made great achievements in her efforts to bring attention to the ongoing climatic changes. She was just nine years old when filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal of India against the Indian government for failing to take adequate action on climate change. For her noble works, Ridhima has won several awards of recognition which includes the Children's Climate Prize in 2020. She is a leading voice in the global movement for climate action and an example for many young people worldwide.
Sumaira Abdulali
Sumaira Abdulali has spent more than three decades bringing awareness about environmental issues in India. She is the founder of Mumbai based environmental organization named Awaz Foundation which aims at various environmental issues such as waste management, air and noise pollution, and coastal conservation. She has won numerous prestigious awards for her efforts, including the 2013 Goldman Environmental Prize which is presented to those people who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability and conservation.
Sunita Narain
Sunita Narain is an Indian environmentalist and writer who is the director general at the Centre for Science and Environment research institute and also an editor at a magazine named Down to Earth which publishes about the politics and development of the environment. She has performed many significant contributions to society and the development of the environment. Sunita secured her name to the Time Magazines’ 100 Most Influential People in 2016. She also appeared in a documentary film named Before The Flood along with Leonardo DiCaprio and discussed the effects of climate change and its impact on farmers.
Vandana Shiva
Vandana Shiva is a vocal critic of sustainable farming methods that are more in harmony with nature. She has been in the practice of industrial agriculture and genetically modified crops. She has also taken part in initiatives that support the rights of farmers and organic farming. Vandana has carried out several significant tasks, one of her works includes her support for Ecofeminism, which is a political theory that encourages a cooperative society and demands women be treated equally as active members.
