An environmentalist is someone who supports the goals to improve and enhance the quality of the natural environment. The objective is to protect the air, water, plants, animals and other natural resources and an environmentalist is ideally an expert in these subjects. Environmental pollution is a growing concern and has raised various issues like resulting in the depletion of various species and has displaced numerous humans and animals from their natural surroundings. So many individuals who are environmentalists continue to fight till today and have contributed immensely in protecting the environment. Al Gore, Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, Rachel Carson, Edward Abbey and Wendell Berry are some examples of famous environmentalists. Even actor Leonardo DiCaprio plays a huge role in environmental protection. Keep reading to know the full list of environmentalists.
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1
Leonardo DiCaprio(One of the Highest Grossing Talented Actors in Hollywood Known for His Work in Biopics and Period Films)
Birthdate: November 11, 1974
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Leonardo DiCaprio is a name every movie lover reveres. An Oscar, a BAFTA, and 3 Golden Globes does not do justice to DiCaprio’s immensely skilful performances and his top-notch portrayals of addicts, historical figures and business tycoons. From epic dramas and romances to crime and political thrillers, DiCaprio has constantly left a mark in each of his films.
2
Brad Pitt(American Actor Who is Known for His Good Looks and for His Portrayal of Unconventional Characters)
Birthdate: December 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Shawnee, Oklahoma, United States
Counted among the most influential and powerful people in the American entertainment industry, Brad Pitt is an actor and film producer who has appeared in many big-budget productions. He was cited as the world’s most attractive man for several years. He is also involved in various philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors.
Birthdate: October 27, 1858
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: New York, United States
Died: January 6, 1919
The 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt is generally ranked as one of the five best presidents of the country. A man of many talents, he was a politician, conservationist, naturalist, and writer. He supported Progressive Era policies in the early 20th century and championed his "Square Deal" domestic policies.
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Rachel McAdams(Canadian Actress Known for Her Films: ‘Mean Girls', 'The Notebook' and 'Spotlight')
Birthdate: November 17, 1978
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: London, Canada
Best known for her comedic and romantic film roles, Canadian actress Rachel McAdams is a very popular figure in Hollywood. Rising to fame in the 2000s, she has worked in many critically acclaimed movies. A socially responsible person, she believes in leading a lifestyle that is eco-friendly and sustainable. She is actively involved with several charities.
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Marion Cotillard(French Actress Best Known for Her Films: 'La Vie en Rose' and 'Two Days, One Night')
Birthdate: September 30, 1975
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Paris, France
Marion Cotillard delivered an Academy Award-winning performance as Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose, becoming the first to win the award for a French-language film. She was appreciated for her iconic role of Joan of Arc on stage. She has promoted Lady Dior bags and Chanel No. 5 fragrance.
6
Hayao Miyazaki(One of the Most Accomplished Filmmakers in the History of Animation)
Birthdate: January 5, 1941
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bunkyo City, Tokyo, Japan
Considered one of the most prominent filmmakers in the history of animated films, Hayao Miyazaki is a Japanese animator and manga artist. A co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki has gained worldwide acclaim as a maker of animated films and a masterful storyteller. Miyazaki has served as an inspiration to several world-renowned animators and directors, including James Cameron and Wes Anderson.
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Cindy Crawford(One of the Most Popular Supermodels During the 1980s and 1990s and a Ubiquitous Presence on Magazine Covers)
Birthdate: February 20, 1966
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: DeKalb, Illinois, United States
Supermodel Cindy Crawford ruled the fashion industry in the 1990s. Her trademark mole and the red Versace dress she wore at the Oscars set fashion trends. She has endorsed scores of products, appeared in all top-notch magazines, hosted a TV show, and owns a make-up line and a furniture line.
8
Pamela Anderson(Actress and Model Known for Her Role in the TV Series 'Baywatch' and 'Home Improvement')
Birthdate: July 1, 1967
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Ladysmith, Canada
Actress and model, Pamela Anderson, is known as a sex symbol. She featured regularly in the Playboy magazine and acted in television series Home Improvement, Baywatch and VIP. Baywatch was hugely popular and gave her international recognition. Pamela Anderson has also acted in several films. She is an active member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the animal rights organisation.
9
Pierce Brosnan(Best Known for His Role of the Secret Agent 'James Bond' in the 'Bond' Film Series)
Birthdate: May 16, 1953
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Drogheda, Ireland
Irish-American actor and film producer Pierce Brosnan is best known for playing secret agent James Bond in the Bond film series. As a young man, he trained at the Drama Centre London and made his acting debut soon after. First gaining fame as a TV actor, he didn’t take long to enter films as well.
Birthdate: October 7, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Wellingborough
English musician, Thom Yorke, is the main vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Radiohead. He is a multi-instrumentalist as well. Active in the music industry for over 35 years, he performs both as part of his band and as a solo artist. He is a human rights activist and also supports animal rights, environmental and anti-war causes.
Birthdate: May 27, 1907
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Springdale
Died: April 14, 1964
Rachel Carson was a conservationist, marine biologist, and author. She is credited with authoring an influential book titled Silent Spring, which played a significant role in advancing the global environmental movement. Carson is also remembered for her book, The Sea Around Us, which earned her a U.S. National Book Award. She was posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
12
Bette Midler(Singer & Actress Known for her Chart Hits 'The Rose', 'Wind Beneath My Wings' and the Movie 'The Rose')
Birthdate: December 1, 1945
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
A singer-songwriter, actress, and comedian, Bette Midler is one of the most decorated American celebrities of her generation. She has won prestigious awards like Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Tony Award. Also known for her charity work, Bette Midler founded a non-profit organization called New York Restoration Project in 1995.
Birthdate: June 22, 1960
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Lawrence, Kansas
Legal consultant, environmental activist, and consumer activist Erin Brockovich is known for suing California-based Pacific Gas & Electric Company, alleging them of contamination of water with hexavelent chromium, in 1993. Her story inspired the Julia Roberts-starrer 2000 movie Erin Brockovich. She has written two books and hosted TV shows, too.
14
Rutger Hauer(Dutch Actor Known for His Films: 'Turkish Delight', 'Nighthawks' and 'Blade Runner')
Birthdate: January 23, 1944
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Breukelen, Netherlands
Died: July 19, 2019
Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, tagged as the Best Dutch Actor of the Century by the Dutch public, gained spotlight with his debut film, Turkish Delight, the most successful film in the history of Dutch cinema. Moving on, he gained international recognition with other Dutch films like Spetters, and etched his name in Hollywood with films like Nighthawks and Blade Runner.
Birthdate: April 21, 1838
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Dunbar
Died: December 24, 1914
John Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist, environmental philosopher, glaciologist, botanist, zoologist, and author. Nicknamed Father of the National Parks and John of the Mountains, Muir was an influential proponent of the preservation of wilderness in the US. He is credited with co-founding the American conservation organization, The Sierra Club. Muir is considered a hero by many environmentalists around the world.
Birthdate: April 16, 1953
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Wahroonga, Australia
Peter Garrett is an Australian musician, activist, environmentalist, and former politician. Renowned for his eccentric dance style and signature bald head, Garrett is best known for his association with the popular rock band Midnight Oil where he performs as the lead singer. A football fan, Peter Garrett supports the Essendon Bombers of the AFL.
17
Andrew Ridgeley(Singer, Guitarist, Songwriter, Musician)
Birthdate: January 26, 1963
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Windlesham
Birthdate: October 23, 1942
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Littlehampton, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Died: September 10, 2007
Anita Roddick was a British businesswoman and human rights activist. She was also a passionate crusader for environmental issues. She founded the British version of The Body Shop, now The Body Shop International Limited. Her company was among the first to prohibit the use of ingredients tested on animals in some products. She was also involved with Greenpeace.
Birthdate: September 8, 1970
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Alexandria, Virginia, United States
20
Wendell Berry(American Novelist, Poet and the First Living Writer to Be Inducted Into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame)
Birthdate: August 5, 1934
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Henry County
21
David Mayer de Rothschild(British Environmentalist, Who Owns a Charity that Funds Environment-Friendly Projects)
Birthdate: August 25, 1978
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: London
A global adventurer and environmentalist, David Mayer de Rothschild is a descendant of the Rothschild banking family. He once crossed the Pacific in a vessel made of plastic bottles, to raise awareness about ocean pollution. His Sculpt the Future Foundation supports environment-friendly innovations and sustainable initiatives.
22
Judith Wright(Poet, Environmentalist, Campaigner for Aboriginal Land Rights)
Birthdate: May 31, 1915
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Armidale, Australia
Died: June 25, 2000
Judith Wright was an Australian environmentalist, poet, and campaigner for Indigenous land rights. Wright is credited with founding one of the earliest environmental conservation movements in Australia. Best remembered for her poetry skills, Judith Wright won the prestigious Christopher Brennan Award in 1976. In 1991, she was honored with the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.
23
Douglas Tompkins(Entrepreneur)
Birthdate: March 20, 1943
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Conneaut, Ohio, United States
Died: December 8, 2015
24
Aldo Leopold(American Author & Environmentalist Who is Best Known for His Book 'A Sand County Almanac')
Birthdate: January 11, 1887
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Burlington
Died: April 21, 1948
25
Ben Goldsmith(British Financier, Founder and CEO of Investment Firm 'Menhaden')
Birthdate: October 28, 1980
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: London
The son of British financier James Goldsmith and socialite Lady Annabel Goldsmith, Ben Goldsmith serves as the CEO of Menhaden Capital Management. An avid environmentalist and philanthropist, he co-founded the sustainability-oriented WHEB Asset Management and the JMG Foundation, which focus on environment-friendly business opportunities. He also co-established the UK Environmental Funders’ Network.
26
Jean-Michel Cousteau(French Environmentalist, Oceanographic Explorer, Film Producer, and Educator)
Birthdate: May 6, 1938
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Toulon
Jean-Michel Cousteau is a French environmentalist, oceanographic explorer, film producer, and educator. He is also an ardent advocate of a world without nuclear weapons. Cousteau is also credited with founding an education organization and marine conservation called Ocean Futures Society. Inspired by his documentary Voyage to Kure, President George W. Bush took measures to safeguard the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
27
Elizabeth May(Leader of the Green Party of Canada from 2006 to 2019)
Birthdate: June 9, 1954
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut, United States
Birthdate: July 24, 1916
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Sharon, Pennysylvania
Died: December 28, 1986
29
Julia Butterfly Hill(Environmental Activist)
Birthdate: February 18, 1974
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Mount Vernon, Missouri, United States
Birthdate: February 18, 1909
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Lake Mills
Died: April 13, 1993
31
Lewis Mumford(American Historian, Sociologist, Philosopher and Literary Critic)
Birthdate: October 19, 1895
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Flushing, New York, United States
Died: January 26, 1990
Lewis Mumford was an American sociologist, historian, literary critic, and philosopher of technology. He made significant contributions to American literary and cultural history, social philosophy, and the history of technology. His works also influenced a number of thinkers and authors like Jacques Ellul and Amory Lovins. Lewis Mumford also had a strong influence on American cellular biologist Barry Commoner.
32
Vandana Shiva(Philosopher, Physicist, Writer, University teacher)
Birthdate: November 5, 1952
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Dehradun
Indian environmental activist and physicist Vandana Shiva is known for her anti-GMO campaigns. The Gandhi of grain is the founder of RFSTN, which promotes sustainable agriculture, and is against globalization. She developed an interest in environmentalism after witnessing a forest at her hometown being cleared for a project.
33
Swampy(British Eco-Warrior, Known for His Protests against Environmental Damage by Industrial Projects)
Birthdate: 1973 AD
Birthplace: Luton, United Kingdom
British environmentalist Daniel Hooper, also known as Swampy, is widely famous as an eco-warrior. He was quite a rage in the 1990s, when he would often occupy tunnels and trees, to protest against developmental projects that harmed nature. He lived with his girlfriend and children in a tent in Tipi Valley.
34
Loren Legarda(Filipino Journalist, Environmentalist, and Politician)
Birthdate: January 28, 1960
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Malabon
A former broadcast journalist, Loren Legarda was known for anchoring shows such as The World Tonight, before she stepped into politics and rose to be the President pro tempore of the Senate of the Philippines. The former senator is also a prominent environmental activist.
35
Ed Sanders(Musician, Writer)
Birthdate: August 17, 1939
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Kansas City
36
Robinson Jeffers(Poet, Writer)
Birthdate: January 10, 1887
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Pittsburgh
Died: January 20, 1962
37
Sunderlal Bahuguna(Environmentalist, Political activist)
Birthdate: January 9, 1927
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Tehri
Sunderlal Bahuguna was an Indian environmentalist best remembered for his involvement in the Chipko movement. The movement, which aims at conserving forests, received a major boost after Bahuguna created the slogan ecology is the permanent economy. The movement inspired similar movements across India. Sunderlal Bahuguna is also remembered for leading the anti-Tehri Dam movement.
38
Amory Lovins(American Writer, Advocate and Scientist)
Birthdate: November 13, 1947
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
39
Marina Silva(Politician, Trade unionist)
Birthdate: February 8, 1958
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rio Branco
40
K. Shivaram Karanth(Author, Poet)
Birthdate: October 10, 1902
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Udupi district
Died: December 9, 1997
Indian polymath and environmentalist K. Shivaram Karanth, who enriched Kannada literature with his novels and plays, was named the "Rabindranath Tagore of Modern India" by Ramachandra Guha. He had quit college to join the Non-Cooperation Movement and later returned his Padma Bhushan to protest against the Emergency of the 1970s.
41
Sugathakumari(Indian Poet and Activist)
Birthdate: January 22, 1934
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Aranmula, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India
Died: December 23, 2020
Sugathakumari was an Indian activist and poet who played a major role in Kerala's feminist and environmental movements in the late-1970s. She is credited with founding organizations like Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi and Abhaya, which work towards protecting nature and safeguarding women and the mentally ill respectively. During her lifetime, she was honored with several prestigious awards like the Padma Shri.
Birthdate: March 28, 1934
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Bridgeton
43
Chandi Prasad Bhatt(Social worker)
Birthdate: June 23, 1934
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Chamoli Gopeshwar
Chandi Prasad Bhatt is an Indian social activist and environmentalist best known for founding the Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh (DGSS) in 1964. DGSS gave rise to the famous Chipko Movement for which Bhatt was honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982. In 2005, he was awarded India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan.
44
Pradip Krishen(film director, writer)
Birthdate: 1949 AD
Birthplace: New Delhi
Pradip Krishen is an Indian environmentalist and filmmaker renowned for directing the 1989 TV film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones which has acquired a cult status since its release. Starting from 1995, Krishen became known for his work as an environmentalist. He is currently leading a team of horticulturists to restore a set of sand dunes in Rajasthan.
