Protectors of the Planet

December 1, 2020
Detailed profiles of 12 environmental activists prove that individuals can help save the world. Ontario teen Sophia Mathur rallied, protested, and lobbied until her local government declared a climate emergency. Ian McAllister used civil disobedience and visual storytelling to spread awareness about Canada's rainforests and defend them against destruction. Anne Innis Dagg pioneered the study of giraffe behavior in South Africa. Home-schooled siblings Rupert and Franny Yakelashek, inspired by David Suzuki's Blue Dot campaign, have received international recognition for their activism. Nobel Peace Prize nominee Sheila Watt-Cloutier spearheaded a legal battle to protect the Arctic. Each chapter covers the subject's inspiration and early experiences, including childhood and family life, presenting their adventures and concluding with "Trailblazer Tips" that encourage readers to take specific actions. Biologist Bastedo narrates his encounters with these heroes as a journalist might, describing each as a relatable person in their element. The profiles include many direct quotes, offering a sense of immediacy. The focus on concrete goals, successes, and challenges will keep readers engaged. The coverage of many different aspects of the climate crisis makes a clear case for the urgency of the situation while the change-makers' examples inspire hope that the human race, when informed and motivated, can meet the challenge. Most of the activists profiled are White; Mathur has Indian heritage, and Watt-Cloutier is Inuit. An encouraging handbook for action. (resources, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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