To celebrate International Women's Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible positive contributions women are making to the climate crisis, through environmentalism and innovation.

From pioneering activists, esteemed scientists, and technology trailblazers, these are just some of the women who have been at the forefront of the movement to protect our planet.

The Power of Collective Action 

Greta Thunberg, the teenage climate activist who sparked a global movement for climate action, stands as a symbol of youth activism and environmental advocacy. Her fearless speeches and unwavering commitment have inspired millions worldwide to demand urgent action on climate change. Greta's courage and determination exemplify the power of individual action in driving meaningful change, regardless of age or gender.

If Greta can inspire others to reconsider their actions towards the environment, so can you! It’s easy to feel that whatever you do as an individual to tackle climate change, the results will be so small in the grand scheme of things, that they’re worthless. But that’s not true. There’s power in individual action - it can lead to collective change! As Greta has shown, you can have a wider knock-on effect of influencing others and shifting what’s viewed as normal.

Reconnecting With Nature

Dr. Jane Goodall's ground-breaking work in primatology and conservation has made her a legendary figure in environmental science. Through her pioneering research on chimpanzees and tireless efforts to promote conservation, she has shown the world the importance of understanding and preserving our natural world. Her advocacy for wildlife protection and habitat conservation continues to inspire generations of environmentalists.

Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has also dedicated her life to safeguarding the planet. She founded the Green Belt Movement to enable communities, particularly women, to conserve the environment. By planting over 51 million trees in Kenya, her movement has fostered collaboration and unity, empowering individuals to take collective action in conservation efforts. 

Understanding the world around us is fundamental to caring for it. When we immerse ourselves in nature and witness its breathtaking beauty first-hand, we develop a deep-seated connection and appreciation for our planet. The awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and intricate balance of life forms compel us to become stewards of the environment.

Technology For Change 

Mette Lykke is the founder of Too Good To Go, an app where restaurants can sell surplus food to customers at discounted prices. The app has prevented millions of meals from being thrown away, and each meal saved equates to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Nzambi Matee, a pioneering Kenyan engineer, has revolutionised sustainable construction with her company, Gjenge Makers. By transforming plastic bags into durable bricks, she aims to tackle both the climate crisis and housing shortages. Collaborating with recycling partners, her business helps to divert large quantities of plastic waste from landfills.

Innovative technologies like these hold immense significance in combating climate change due to their potential to revolutionise the way we produce, consume, and manage resources. With the urgent need to reduce emissions and adopt more sustainable lifestyles, these tech advancements offer practical solutions to reduce the impact of climate change.

Environmental Innovation and Leadership

While these iconic figures have captured global attention, it's important to recognise the countless women working behind the scenes. In roles ranging from renewable energy specialists to environmental engineers, women are breaking barriers and driving innovation. 

Here at Loop, we rely on the skills and expertise of our talented female team members across a wide range of roles - from Marketing and QA to our Developers and Data Scientists - to continue creating solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

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