The Independent has launched its first Climate 100 List, celebrating the world's foremost environmental leaders. The list, published to coincide with Climate Week NYC, highlights activists, scientists, business leaders and others dedicated to tackling the climate crisis. It is not ranked, but instead honours individuals for their contributions, whether recent or longstanding.
Among those featured is Ayisha Siddiqa, a 25-year-old human rights defender and climate activist. Born in Pakistan and raised in Brooklyn, she witnessed the impact of climate change on her family and co-founded Polluters Out, a global youth movement. She also contributed to Greta Thunberg's The Climate Book and advocates for Indigenous and women's rights in climate solutions.
Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature (1989), is also recognised. His book is considered the first on climate change for a general audience and remains in print in 24 languages. McKibben, a Gandhi Peace Award recipient, continues to be a leading environmental voice.
The list includes five unsung climate heroes nominated by readers, alongside well-known figures like King Charles and Jane Goodall. The Independent will host a Climate 100 event during Climate Week NYC to honour these changemakers.
