At a time when division feels like the norm, when algorithms separate us and make us feel alienated from our peers, when it feels like we are facing off against insurmountable odds and screaming for change into the void, we have to remind ourselves of three things:
- We’ve been here before.
- We are not alone—not by a long shot.
- We know the solution.
Women’s suffrage, civil rights, fair labor, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-war movements—just to name a few—have laid the groundwork for overcoming political and social divides in the name of progress. We have seen the good that comes from building community and standing together to demand positive change and institutional improvements.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Coalition building is by no means a new idea, but when it comes to our environment and the worsening climate crisis, the role of local communities is frequently overlooked while major corporations and federal policies dominate the headlines. This can make it seem like the only news is bad news, and there’s nothing we can do to fight back. This is inherently false. Developing local solutions and engaging with our local communities, demanding greater and greater change, is how all movements begin, and it’s how they succeed.
Admittedly, it’s easier said than done. So, what does community building look like in practice?
We’ve pulled together a list of some of 2025’s most unexpected local heroes helping to build community and advance environmental solutions across the United States and around the world. From students and scientists to HVAC technicians and sports enthusiasts—if they can be climate heroes, so can you.
Local Climate Heroes of 2025
AYLA TOLENTINO | YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE
Kentucky, USA
Ayla is the recipient of the first-ever Bernheim Forest & Arboretum Next Gen Climate Hero Award. She is Vice President of her middle school’s FFA chapter and has a passion for native plants, pollinators, and the importance of both for thriving ecosystems. As part of her work with her FFA chapter, she gave a speech on how native plants should be incorporated into landscape design, and the role young people should be encouraged to play in environmental advocacy. And did we mention she’s only 12 years old?
KYLE GALKIN | FOUNDER OF SUSTAIN SD
California, USA
Kyle is a university student as well as the founder of the new nonprofit Sustain SD, which builds gardens and composting programs at San Diego schools with the goal of mitigating food waste and educating students on the importance of healthy soils for air, water, and food. After seeing the severity of food waste first-hand working in the restaurant industry, Kyle was inspired to teach young people how to incorporate sustainability—especially when it comes to food—into their everyday lives.
RACHELLE MARTINS | HVAC TECHNICIAN & 2025 LADY OF THE TRADE
North Carolina, USA
Rachelle is an HVAC technician based in North Carolina who shares her work adventures and technical insights on Instagram (@hvac_install_her). She was given the Lady of the Trade award at the 2025 HVAC Tactical Awards for her contributions to the field. As a result of her engaging social content, Rachelle is increasing public awareness of the importance of proper techniques and installation to improve energy efficiency.
SEMIA GHARBI | SCIENTIST & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
Tunisia
Semia assisted in taking down an Italian company and waste-trafficking network that exported and dumped more than 6,000 tons of household waste into already overburdened Tunisian landfills. The scientist and educator lobbied political leaders, experts, and the media to bring these actions to light, which ultimately led to more than 40 arrests and changes to European Union laws and policies for international waste shipping. For her dedication to the environment and her community, Semia won the 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize for Environmental Justice.
ALICE WANJIRU | CLIMATE CHANGE AMBASSADOR & CLEAN-WATER ACTIVIST
Nairobi, Kenya
Alice is an 11-year-old climate change and environmental justice advocate who currently holds the position of Kenyan Scout Association Climate Change Ambassador at the National Environment Management Authority. Her project to rehabilitate the Nairobi Ruai Sewer Treatment Plant has led to the planting of thousands of trees, aiming to tackle health risks associated with the treatment plant’s toxic methane emissions. Alice has organized other local campaigns, including plastic clean-ups and public education on environmental issues. This year, she was named Action for Nature’s 2025 Eco-Hero.
CATHERINE COLEMAN FLOWERS | ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE
Alabama, USA
Catherine is an Alabama native and steadfast community advocate, known for exposing the Lowndes County sewage crisis and spotlighting local environmental justice issues that regularly impact her community. She has worked with public health experts, the Environmental Protection Agency, and legislators to bring attention to these issues and begin to address them; even in the face of shifting federal policies that have deprioritized environmental justice solutions. Catherine was named one of TIME Magazine’s 2025 Earth Award honorees.
ALESSANDRA OROFINO | CONSERVATION COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST
Brazil
2025 Climate Breakthrough awardee, Alessandra Orofino is a communications strategist based in Brazil who has helped mobilize millions of dollars to benefit local climate and social causes. Most recently, she launched an initiative to build public support for the conservation of the Amazon, tying it to the cultural heritage and wellness of all Brazilians. The aim? To solidify growing conservation efforts of the rainforest and make sure it’s prioritized in policy and economic decisions moving forward.
RIDHIMA PANDEY | CLIMATE JUSTICE ACTIVIST
India
Since the age of nine, Ridhima has been a powerful global leader in environmental advocacy and climate justice. At 17, she challenged the government of India in court because of their unfulfilled commitments to the Paris Agreement. She argued that their lack of action threatened the futures of all Indian children. In 2021, she was awarded the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice, and she has been a voice for young environmentalists at COP26 and the Global Sustainability Film Awards.
LOGAN WADDLE | SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM LEADER
Indiana, USA
Combining his passion for both motor sports and sustainability, Logan has developed and implemented multiple successful sustainability initiatives at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; a portfolio that earned him the 2025 Sport Positive Next Generation Trailblazer award. His work has brought the conversation about sustainability in motor sports to the forefront of the INDYCAR industry, inspiring stakeholders of all kinds—drivers, teams, sponsors, track owners, and executives—to consider their role in a more sustainable future for the sport.
