The twentieth of 21 ways women have redefined the world: Environment.

Greta Thunberg and Autumn Peltier are prominent young activists who have made significant contributions to environmental and indigenous rights causes, respectively.

Greta Thunberg gained global recognition for her advocacy on climate change. Starting with her solo protest outside the Swedish parliament in 2018, she sparked the Fridays for Future movement, inspiring millions of students worldwide to join her in climate strikes demanding urgent action from governments and corporations. Thunberg’s unwavering determination and straightforward message have amplified awareness of climate issues among young people and pressured leaders to prioritize environmental sustainability. Her speeches at major international forums, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) and the World Economic Forum, have underscored the urgency of addressing climate change and holding accountable those responsible for environmental degradation.

Autumn Peltier, a Canadian indigenous activist from the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, has dedicated herself to advocating for clean water and indigenous rights. Inspired by her great-aunt Josephine Mandamin, a renowned water activist, Peltier began speaking out against water pollution and the lack of access to clean water in indigenous communities at a young age. She has addressed the United Nations multiple times, passionately advocating for the protection of water as a fundamental human right and highlighting the disproportionate impact of water contamination on indigenous peoples. Peltier’s advocacy has brought attention to the intersection of environmental issues and indigenous rights.

Both Greta Thunberg and Autumn Peltier exemplify the power of youth activism in driving meaningful change. Through their courage, dedication, and ability to mobilize global attention, they have reshaped conversations on climate change and indigenous rights, demonstrating the transformative potential of individual commitment to environmental and social justice causes.

Inspired by the story by Sarah Griffin published in msn.com