These eco-advocates are using their platforms to discuss, educate, and fight for environmental and social justice
In order to fully understand the climate crisis, it's important to look at it through an intersectional lens and acknowledge that this is an issue deeply connected with race, gender, culture and privilege. If we wish to be true advocates for the planet, we cannot turn a blind eye as to how climate change impacts people differently, such as the BIPOC community. Depending on where someone lives, where they come from, and how they identify themselves can play a huge factor as to what types of environmental protections they get, if their voices are heard when it comes to making climate decisions, and whether they are being given the proper resources to be able to make sustainable changes within their communities.
This is why it is crucial to diversify who we are following on social media, and support the work being done by a variety of advocates, also known as eco-influencers. Remember: it does not just stop at clicking the 'like' or 'follow' button, but actually taking the time to learn about what they are saying, sharing their content in order to help educate your own audience, as well as understanding the solutions they are providing so that you can do your part in building a stronger global community and healthier planet as a whole.
1. Leah Thomas
Writer, blogger and environmental advocate Leah Thomas was the one who coined the term "intersectional environmentalism" and founded Intersectional Environmentalism, which is a global movement and fantastic resource that educates on social and climate justice. Instagram: @greengirlleah
2. Autumn Peltier
Youth activist Autumn Peltier has been powerfully advocating for clean drinking water in Indigenous communities since the age of 7. She has gained international attention by using her platform to push for water protection, including at the UN General Assembly. Originally from Wiikwemkoong First Nation in Ontario, Canada, Peltier is also the recipient of the Environment Award at the 2021 Racial Justice Awards. A short documentary on her activism and journey titled The Water Walker was released in 2019. Instagram: @autumn.peltier
3. Isaias Hernandez
Environmental educator and digital creator Isaias Hernandez has fantastic content that breaks down and simplifies eco-issues, teaches how to live a sustainable lifestyle, and has insightful easy-to-follow discussions on things such as zero-waste initiatives and environmental racism. His Instagram page is definitely a great resource, especially for younger audiences. Instagram: @queerbrownvegan
4. Zahra Biabani
Sustainable fashion entrepreneur and advocate Zahra Biabani’s content is all about mindful living and the global climate crisis. What I love is that not only does she use her platform to educate, but she also shares positive climate news which is truly uplifting, especially when everything that is happening around the world makes you feel down. She explains eco-terms, how climate change is affecting specific countries, and even shares ways to support sustainable local businesses in your area. Instagram: @soulful_seeds, TikTok: soulfulseeds
5. Jerome Foster II
Jerome Foster II is an African American climate justice activist, the youngest person ever to serve as the White House environmental justice advisor, founder of youth voting organization OneMillionOfUs, and of international youth-led news outlet The Climate Reporter. His work as a leader in the climate movement has been recognized globally, and you may have seen him side by side with Greta Thunberg at the Fridays for Future School Strike Movements. His Instagram page is empowering and highlights his fight for social and environmental justice. Instagram: @jeromefosterii
6. Diandra Marizet
Co-founder of Intersectional Environmentalist, Mexican-American Diandra Marizet advocates for people and the planet (as written in her Instagram bio), and uses her platform to educate her audience on the effects of climate change on marginalized communities and people of colour. She also shares how you can do your part on the daily by living a more sustainable life. Instagram: @diandramarizet
7. Sophia Li
Journalist and filmmaker Sophia Li is the co-founder of a TV channel called All of the Above which discusses climate change and social justice. She is outspoken not only about environmental issues, but also about racism. I love that she balances her activism and work along with a glimpse into her personal life, which makes her content not just educational, but relatable as well. Instagram: @sophfei
8. Kristy Drutman
Kristy Drutman is an environmental podcaster, speaker and activist who creates conscious, culturally relevant content to educate her audience about sustainable living, the importance of diversity, and offers proactive solutions on how to take action against the climate crisis. You will also find her frequently posting her Green Job Board on her Instagram page where she highlights various career opportunities. Instagram: @browngirl_green