National Geographic’s prestigious “Nat Geo 33” list celebrates 33 trailblazers from across the globe who are tackling urgent environmental, cultural, and scientific challenges in groundbreaking ways. These individuals, hailing from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, embody innovation, resilience, and the spirit of exploration.
33 Changemakers Recognized by National Geographic:
- Shu Yang: A materials scientist renowned for her work in biomimicry, developing innovative materials inspired by nature.
- Don Cheadle: An acclaimed actor and environmental activist, vocal about climate change and its impacts.
- Lewis Pugh: An endurance swimmer advocating for marine conservation through swims in near-freezing waters.
- Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka: A Ugandan wildlife veterinarian working at the intersection of wildlife and human health.
- David Gruber: A marine biologist exploring biofluorescence in marine animals to understand underwater ecosystems.
- Asmeret Asefaw Berhe: A soil scientist studying the role of soil in climate change mitigation.
- Thomas Crowther: An ecologist focusing on global ecosystem restoration and biodiversity mapping.
- Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner: A poet and climate activist from the Marshall Islands, bringing attention to the human stories behind climate change.
- Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: A marine biologist and policy expert working on ocean conservation solutions.
- Dr. Jane Goodall: A pioneering primatologist and environmentalist known for her extensive work with chimpanzees.
- Dr. Sylvia Earle: A marine biologist and oceanographer advocating for ocean exploration and conservation.
- Dr. Nalini Nadkarni: An ecologist studying rainforest canopies and promoting forest conservation.
- Dr. Rodrigo Medellín: A Mexican ecologist known for his work in bat conservation.
- Dr. Steve Boyes: A conservationist dedicated to preserving Africa’s last wild places, particularly the Okavango Delta.
- Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant: A large carnivore ecologist focusing on human-wildlife conflict resolution.
- Dr. Sandesh Kadur: A wildlife filmmaker and photographer documenting biodiversity in the Himalayas.
- Dr. Erika Woolsey: A marine biologist using virtual reality to connect people with ocean environments.
- Dr. Tyrone Hayes: A biologist researching the effects of pesticides on amphibian development.
- Dr. Katey Walter Anthony: An ecologist studying methane emissions from Arctic lakes.
- Dr. Dominique Gonçalves: A Mozambican ecologist focusing on elephant conservation and community engagement.
- Dr. Kakani Katija: A bioengineer exploring the role of marine organisms in ocean mixing.
- Dr. Andrés Ruzo: A geothermal scientist known for his work on the Boiling River in the Amazon.
- Dr. Asha de Vos: A marine biologist pioneering blue whale research in the Indian Ocean.
- Dr. Rodrigo Pacheco-Ruiz: A maritime archaeologist uncovering ancient submerged landscapes.
- Dr. Lucy King: A zoologist developing elephant-friendly honey production to reduce human-elephant conflict.
- Dr. Steve Brusatte: A paleontologist researching the evolution of dinosaurs and their connection to modern birds.
- Dr. Karen Bakker: An environmental scientist exploring digital technologies for conservation.
- Dr. Christopher Golden: An ecologist studying the links between biodiversity and human health.
- Dr. M Jackson: A geographer and glaciologist documenting the cultural impacts of glacier retreat.
- Dr. Krithi Karanth: Conservation scientist from India and Executive Director of the Centre for Wildlife Studies. She focuses on human-wildlife coexistence and empowering communities through science and education..
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