10 green thinkers to follow online

If left unchecked, the effects of climate change could reduce global economic output by 11-14% by 2050, according to international insurance provider Swiss Re¹. That adds up to a whopping $23 trillion less in worldwide earnings and which points to a growing need for organisations in every region to make a clear and immediate shift to more sustainable solutions.

But how can businesses, and business leaders, make the adjustments needed to make their organisations greener, and make ESG (environmental, social, and governance) initiatives a top priority? That's where many of the most outspoken eco-conscious thinkers come in, offering a wealth of insight and inspiration from which to draw.

Wondering where to turn for inspiration and input? Happily, you don't have to look far in an age where more green thinkers enjoy an online presence − and where customers, shareholders, and partners are all adopting a more activist stance.

We've set out a range of options in our Carbon Countdown: Road to 2030 report but these environmental thinkers can also help with a fresh sense of perspective and ideas to chew on as you set about reimagining your ESG efforts and rethinking the shape of your sustainable initiatives.

The 19-year old Swedish environmental activist who was named TIME magazine's Person of the Year before she was old enough to vote continues to campaign tirelessly for the need for environmental change.

With more than 14.4 million followers on Instagram alone, Greta Thunberg routinely posts a mix of thought-provoking photos, videos, and commentaries that seek to raise awareness for green issues and hold nations' environmental impact to account. She also routinely posts data points and findings of interest by global bodies such as the United Nations, and helpful bits of inspiration, e.g. reminders that we don't need conferences, agreements, or treaties to start taking climate action when we all come together to take action for climate.

One of the first environmental and corporate sustainability thought leaders to popularise the idea of intersectional environmentalism (which advocates for the protection of all people and the planet), Thomas regularly discusses environmental advocacy and education. To see her thoughts on how climate- and energy-related concerns impact people of colour and historically excluded voices, you can also see the community she founded at @intersectionalenvironmentalist.

Get the latest take on environmental issues from New York Times columnist and sustainability author Revkin (The Burning Season, Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast). Not only does he offer thought-provoking takes on topics like fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, but also breaking insight on global government policies and efforts to offset climate change on a regional and worldwide scale. Recent posts include challenging environmental leaders to fill in gaps that research reports appear to miss; highlighting underreported environmental reads of note, and exploring how well international governments' stated environmental goals and actual real-world activities align.

As the Shadow Climate and Net Zero Secretary for the Labour Party, and a driving force for the UK's 2008 Climate Change Act, Miliband serves as the online vanguard for Labour's vision of a Green New Deal. In addition to regularly highlighting environmentally-friendly projects and efforts of note, he also routinely posts about political efforts to enshrine more eco-friendly solutions in law and promote greener living. Sometimes he shares links and research of note and offers stirring monologues about how we can keep the climate crisis in check.

The Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinaabe nation, Canadian activist Autumn Peltier campaigns to raise awareness for global access to clean water and equality for indigenous peoples of the world. A proponent of younger generations' ability to create positive change, she not only provides insight, encouragement, and advocacy at every turn. Peltier also actively challenges members of every generation to behave more sustainably and take a stand for environmental justice.

Documentary creator and filmmaker behind The World's End and Pie Net Zero. Armstrong focuses on sharing a mix of trending topics and opinions, including posts devoted to rethinking the future of city living, transportation grids and sustainable ecosystems. You can also tune in for her hot takes on climate-related issues and environmental concerns of every variety, and pick up tips on eco-conscious books, films, and efforts of note to add to your must-see list.

Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate is using her voice to draw more attention to climate-based issues throughout Africa and beyond. Promoting a more inclusive approach to environmentalism, she uses her online platform to create discussion around environmental issues impact underprivileged communities − and how sustainability concerns that impact one corner of the world will eventually impact all.

An environmental activist who's also the co-founder of @RegenerativeFutures (a Gen Z-focused initiative designed to promote global social change), Wilson often focuses on the materials, ingredients, and chemicals used in the goods we consume. Through documentaries like How Toxic Are My Clothes? and essays on the environmental impact of cryptocurrency and Web3 solutions, he challenges audiences to think more deeply about sourcing, production and the impact that we have on the environment around us.

Wondering what impact your business and its operating practices are having on Earth's oceans? Sea Legacy and National Geographic contributor Nicklen uses eye-catching photographs and videos to weigh in and share the effects of industrialisation and human activity on marine life and ecologies. You'll gain an entirely new perspective on the world and its waterways viewing it through the lens of this accomplished documentarian.

As Global Director City Energy Solutions & CEO E.ON Business Solutions, Håkansson serves up the latest insights on smart cities, energy transitions, and rural and urban planning. Hot tip: His photo feed will also take you on a tour of some of today's most technologically-advanced energy grids, power solutions, and private-public sector partnerships.

^{1. Swiss Re: The economics of climate change}