Words by Smiley Team
This article rounds up Patrons of the Planet, a weekly series where we heard from climate heroes of the global south and the world’s Indigenous communities.
Around the world, campaigners are standing up to confront the climate and ecological emergency. They're doing this through powerful campaigns, education, regenerating nature and building connections.
Climate activists in the Global South and from Indigenous populations are at the forefront of this struggle, as some of the first to be hit.
Despite the challenges their communities are facing, these individuals are standing up and using their skills to protect life on Earth. Here are just a few of these inspirational people – click on their names to read their full stories.
After the climate crisis destroyed his family’s farming livelihood, Nyombi Morris set out to protect others from this fate. By planting trees, he hopes to strengthen the natural environment around Kampala for generations to come.
Through gradual organising and awareness-building, Joe Musa launched a strong push-back against deforestation and environmental degradation blighting Sierra Leone.
As an Indigenous woman, Bia’ni takes what she learnt from her cultural background and studies at university to help Indigenous peoples’ organisation Cultural Survival.
Felix Odumo uses sustainable farming techniques to grow food in what was once barren land. His lessons and workshops distribute knowledge of how to work the land in ways that protect nature and wildlife.
Holding community meetings across South Africa, Sandile Nombeni hopes to spread awareness of the climate crisis and ideas for how people can tackle the increasingly turbulent weather he is witnessing.
Through the power of art, Ina-Maria Shikongo highlights the importance of nature, sewing intricate tapestries with upcycled textiles.
Solidarity is increasingly vital in these times, says Bhavini Patel, a climate activist who migrated to London, the third generation in her family to be displaced by climate change.
Evelyn Acham’s journey into climate education and campaign work started upon meeting the inspirational Ugandan activist, Venessa Nakate.
From campaigning to protect her local mango orchard as a teenager, Sumana Nandi has come on a long way. Today she connects Global South and Indigenous activists around the world.
Children are key to creating a safer future, for Joseph Masembe. After launching a tree planting festival, he has dedicated his life to helping young people restore and protect nature.
Putting his digital skills to good use, Edwin Namakanga supports Fridays For Future to campaign for more ambitious action around the climate crisis.
Visiting Glasgow for COP26, Daisee Francour had an important message for the world leaders involved in climate discussions: Indigenous people have the knowledge to protect our planet and the people on it.
While attending COP26, Argentinian climate activist María Cecilia Quaglino explained how she sees hope in young people from across the Global South.
Find more stories about inspirational people giving back to people and the planet on Smiley News.
