Meet Our 2025 Climate Action Champions

At the time of writing this, COP30 has just come to a close, but we at Smiley News believe that we should continue to have the conversations highlighted at this year’s event. And what better way to do that than to give some much-deserved flowers to climate action champions! 

The folk on this list are leading by example whether that is switching to plant-based diets, letting their voice be heard about the detriments of oil farming or campaigning for the ‘justice’ part of climate justice. 

1. Greta Thunberg (Sweden)

I don’t think we can make this list without including THE Greta Thunberg and her global influence can’t be overstated. She ignited the Fridays for Future movement, urging world leaders to act on climate change. Through her speeches and activism, she’s become a symbol of youth-led climate action, focusing on the need for urgent, large-scale systemic changes to tackle the climate crisis. A lot of her recent activism work draws links between human rights and environmental justice, inspiring others to think about the issue on a broader approach. 

2. Vanessa Nakate (Uganda)

Unfortunately Africa is not always represented enough in contemporary conversations about the Vanessa is a passionate climate justice advocate who founded the Rise Up Movement in Uganda, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on African countries. She campaigns for the voices of the Global South to be heard in international climate negotiations and emphasises the need for equity in climate solutions.

3. Xiye Bastida (Mexico/USA)

Xiye, of Mexican and Otomi-Toltec heritage, is a fierce advocate for indigenous rights and climate justice. As a youth leader with Fridays for Future, she works tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of indigenous knowledge in tackling environmental challenges. Xiye’s activism focuses on fighting for sustainable practices and social justice.

4. Autumn Peltier (Canada)

Autumn, a water protector from the Anishinaabe Nation, has been advocating for clean water access since she was 8 years old. She’s addressed the UN and called out politicians for their failure to protect water and indigenous land rights. Autumn’s activism shines a light on the environmental injustices faced by indigenous communities.

5. Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (USA)

Xiuhtezcatl, combines his environmental activism work with hip-hop creating a blended climate conscious music type. was the Youth Director of Earth Guardians until 2019. Martinez has spoken about the effects of fossil fuels. 

6. Vic Barrett (USA)

Vic Barrett gained a lot of prominence from being the lead plaintiff as one of 21 young people who sued the U.S. federal government, arguing that its actions promoting fossil fuels violated their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property. The case was eventually dismissed, but caught worldwide attention and spoke to the political nature of climate justice. 

7. Samela Sateré Mawé (Brazil)

As part of the Indigenous Sateré Mawé people, Samela has a deep and personal connection to the Amazon. She is now a Biology student at the State University of Amazonas, Brazil, and uses her platform to advocate for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest and the rights, culture, and traditions of indigenous peoples, particularly women and youth.

8. Dominique Palmer (UK)

Dominique is a climate justice activist who began her activism in the School Strike for Climate Movement. Throughout her activism she has amplified the voices of young black people in climate change discussions and highlighted how climate change disproportionately impacts communities of colour and is working toward making the climate movement more inclusive and diverse.

9. Isaias Hernandez (USA)

Isaias is the brilliant mind behind queerbrownvegan.com. This is an intersectional-focused independent media platform with the goal to bring environmental education to all. He has used his skills as a storyteller to deconstruct complex issues, while centering diversity and authenticity and garnered a worldwide audience.

Charity check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article. 

Friends of the Earth. This environmental charity campaigns for solutions to the climate crisis, tackling issues such as air pollution, renewable energy, and protection of nature across the UK. Learn more here.

The Climate Coalition. A network of over 130 organisations, this coalition unites voices across the UK to inspire action on climate change and protect what we love from its impacts. Discover their work here.

Fridays for Future. Also known as School Strike for Climate, this is an international movement following the call from Greta Thunberg. Find out more here.

This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action.