Top 5 Climate Activists Driving Social Justice in 2025 | Global Vision Awards

These five Global Vision Awards honorees represent leading voices in the fields of environmentalism, social justice, and Indigenous rights.

The iBestTravel Global Vision Awards aim to identify and honor companies, individuals, destinations, and organizations taking strides to develop more sustainable and responsible travel practices. These honorees not only show thought leadership and creative problem-solving but also take actionable steps to protect communities and environments globally, inspiring both colleagues and travelers alike.

Behind every innovative idea or groundbreaking effort lies a person endowed with bold visions, creative problem-solving abilities, and an impassioned drive to unite others in their cause. These five Global Vision Awards honorees encapsulate how such qualities, when aligned with action and creativity, can widen the scope of what is feasible. Although their focus may be on particular issues—whether environmental, social justice, or Indigenous representation—their understanding of interconnectedness amongst these concerns is profound. They recognize that addressing one problem effectively can create models of success applicable globally. Below, discover a pioneering marine conservationist, a chef turned farmer, a drag-queen environmentalist, an Indigenous model, and a climate-change activist who all amplify their voices both locally and globally. — iBestTravel Editors

Fabien Cousteau

While many modern explorers are preoccupied with the race to space, Fabien Cousteau, grandson of the famed marine conservationist Jacques-Yves Cousteau, focuses on probing the profound depths of our own planet. Cousteau asserts that “”the oceans are crucial for addressing earth’s most significant challenges.” Collaborating with designer Yves Béhar, he has conceptualized Proteus, a pioneering research center designed to accommodate up to 12 aquanauts for extended periods, residing 60 feet below sea level off Curaçao’s coast. The 4,000-square-foot facility is set to facilitate groundbreaking discoveries and shed light on humanity’s impact on marine ecosystems. Cousteau believes that the insights gained from Proteus will be transformative, stating, “The knowledge we uncover underwater will significantly shape how future generations live above on land.” — Heidi Mitchell

Jonny Rhodes

What does a chef do when his restaurant quickly becomes one of the most sought-after culinary experiences? In the case of Jonny Rhodes, he makes the bold decision to close it. With the opening of Indigo, Rhodes blended innovative neo-soul food with a focus on social justice, shining a light on the pressing issues of poverty and hunger within his community. He believes, “Indigo was simply a stepping stone. My ultimate ambition is to tackle the complex issue of world hunger.” Consequently, last year, Indigo was transformed into Broham Fine Soul Food & Groceries, where he offers affordable produce and prepared dishes. Most of the ingredients are sourced from his Food Fight Farms, a six-acre venture that embodies his vision of agricultural success. He describes the inaugural harvest as emotional, equating it to “winning the Super Bowl.” Rhodes’s market continues to serve thousands and is paving the way for a second location in another food desert, reflecting his commitment to community wellness. — Gisela Williams

Pattie Gonia

The journey of environmental advocate and photographer Wyn Wiley took an unexpected turn in 2018 when he brought platform heels on a hiking trip in Colorado. Soon after, a viral video showcasing him in heels during a mountain hike led to the creation of Pattie Gonia. This “environmentalist, drag queen, and professional homosexual” now uses her platform to inspire various communities to embrace nature and raise awareness around climate change. In one TikTok video, she humorously asserts, “If you can hold onto your trash boyfriend for two whole years, then you can hold onto this piece of trash for five more minutes.” Her entertaining clips carry serious messages, as Pattie has successfully raised funds for LGBTQ youth programs like Camp Brave Trails and partnered with REI on a documentary addressing Hawaii’s plastic pollution. Moreover, she founded a nonprofit, The Oath, empowering marginalized groups to unite in natural spaces, emphasizing the idea that nature transcends binaries. — G.W.

Quannah Chasinghorse

With her striking features, Quannah Chasinghorse is not just a model recognized for her beauty; she is also a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights. Her notable role in Calvin Klein’s CK One campaign highlighted her stance on Indigenous sovereignty and climate change. Now, at 19, she has not only walked the runway for esteemed brands but also made history as the first Indigenous woman in a Chanel campaign. Chasinghorse actively uses her platform to raise awareness about critical Indigenous issues, ranging from media representation to advocating against oil drilling in Alaska. Throughout the past year, she has traveled across the U.S. with her mother, Jody Potts, urging legislative protection for sacred lands like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Chasinghorse shares a heartfelt mission: to establish summer camps for Indigenous youth to celebrate their heritage, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation. “We cannot simply observe; we need to take action,” she asserts. — G.W.

Vanessa Nakate

Soon after cyclones Idai and Kenneth battered southeast Africa in early 2019, Vanessa Nakate, having just graduated, began her solitary climate change strikes outside Uganda’s Parliament. Shortly thereafter, she established the Rise Up Movement, providing a platform for African climate activists to share their narratives. Nakate gained significant attention in 2020 when she was cropped out of a prominent photo featuring activists at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which sparked her to call out the Associated Press regarding this exclusion. Her heartfelt video went viral, highlighting the necessity of amplifying African voices in the climate conversation. Today, Nakate actively speaks at key global conferences, emphasizing that “Pledges are not enough; only immediate and drastic action will avert further planetary warming.” — G.W.