In 2024, the fight against climate change has seen numerous women as protagonists, working on the front lines on various fronts, from the courtrooms to the forests of the Amazon. Indigenous leaders, activists, lawyers, scientists and politicians they have made a fundamental contribution to the defense of the Planet, achieving significant results and inspiring millions of people. This article tells the story of ten of these climate heroines, often unsung by the media.
In Ecuador, Nemonte Nenquimoindigenous leader Waorani and co-founder of Amazon Frontlines and the Ceibo Alliancecontinued his tireless battle for the defense of the Amazon rainforest. In 2024, he led his community in a historic legal victory against the Ecuadorian government, winning the protection of 500,000 acres of rainforest from oil extraction. Her commitment to defending land rights and biodiversity, combined with her ability to create alliances between indigenous communities and international activists, has led her to be recognized as one of the most important environmental leaders globally. Amazon Frontlines, the organization she co-founded, received the Hilton Humanitarian Prize for its work protecting the Amazon and its people.
In Switzerland, a group of activist grandmothers, KlimaSeniorinnenachieved a historic victory at the European Court of Human Rights. The women, with an average age of 73, have waged a legal battle against the Swiss government, accused of not doing enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the health of citizens, especially the elderly, who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The Court agreed with KlimaSeniorinnen, stating that iThe government has a duty to protect the fundamental rights of citizensincluding the right to health and a healthy environment. This ruling, obtained after years of legal battles that other groups had attempted unsuccessfully, represents an important precedent for climate lawsuits in Europe and around the world.
In the United States, young Rikki Held, 22, spearheaded a lawsuit, “Held vs. State of Montana”against the state of Montana, accused of violating the constitutional right to a healthy environment. Growing up on a 7,000-acre ranch, Rikki experienced firsthand the devastating effects of climate change, such as drought, fires and floods, which put her family’s livelihood at risk. Along with 15 other young activists, he took the case to court, arguing that the state’s fossil fuel-friendly energy policies are compromising the future of new generations. The Montana Supreme Court ruled in favor of the young activists, ordering the government to review its energy policies and consider the impact of climate change on future generations. Rikki, with his life experience and his passion for science, it has become a symbol of young people’s fight for the climate.
In Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo she was elected president, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the country. Sheinbaum, with a doctorate in energy engineering, has extensive experience in the environmental field. As mayor of Mexico City, she implemented ambitious policies to reduce air pollution, promote public transportation and create new green areas. As president, he promised to put sustainability at the center of his political agenda, investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency and biodiversity protection. Her election represents an important step for female leadership in Latin America and a sign of hope for the fight against climate change.
In the UK, the barrister Tessa Khan challenged the government in court, challenging the decision to approve new oil and gas projects in the North Seasuch as the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields. Khan, founder of the Uplift organization, argues that these projects, promoted by companies such as Equinor and Ithaca Energy, do not take into account their environmental impact and contribute to worsening the climate crisis. His legal battle, still ongoing, aims to block extraction projects and promote a just transition towards a more sustainable economy for the UK’s coastal communities. Khan is a leading figure in the climate justice movement, defending the right to protest and holding governments to account for their actions.
Marina SilvaBrazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has led the country’s efforts to combat deforestation in the Amazon and promote the conservation of biodiversity. Her return to the Ministry, after years of absence from politics, was welcomed with great enthusiasm by environmentalists, who see her as a key figure for the protection of the Amazon and the fight against climate change.
Anne Hidalgomayor of Paris, has continued to implement ambitious policies to make the French capital a more sustainable and climate-resilient city. Among its most important initiatives, the creation of cycle paths, the promotion of public transport, the reduction of car traffic and the creation of new green areas. Hidalgo is an example of female leadership in the fight against climate change at the local level.
Roseline Isata Mansarayfounder of the movement Fridays for Future in Sierra Leoneis a young activist who fights for climate justice in her country. Coming from a small village affected by floods, fires and drought, Roseline decided to make her voice and that of her community heard, asking for concrete actions to combat the ecological crisis. His commitment and determination are an example for young people around the world.
Margaretha Wewerinke-Singha professor of environmental law at the University of the South Pacific, made history by representing the island nation of Vanuatu in the most important case ever heard by the International Court of Justice. The goal of this lawsuit is create a legal accountability framework for climate actionhelping vulnerable nations combat the devastating impact of global warming. Wewerinke-Singh, with her legal experience and passion for climate justice, is a key figure in the fight for a more sustainable future.
Tori Tsuia young climate activist originally from Hong Kong, published the book “It’s Not Just You“, which addresses the topic of eco-anxiety, or the extreme concern for environmental damage caused by human activity and climate change. The book, welcomed with great enthusiasm by Greta Thunberg, offers support to young activists who feel overwhelmed by the climate emergency and encourages them to continue their fight for a better future.
