In June 1972, a historic event that many mark as the beginning of international environmental policy took place in Sweden: the Stockholm Conference. It was the first UN summit that dealt with environmental problems and laid the foundations for the development of numerous guidelines on conservation or for the achievement of such relevant agreements as the Kyoto protocol. As a result, the European Union created the Directive on the Protection of the Environment and Consumers, and composed the first Environmental Action Program.
The Stockholm Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment brings together the conclusions of this mythical summit in 26 principles and an action plan with 109 recommendations.
If we take a look at the images of that historic meeting, the prevalence of ties in the room is striking: as in so many other political summits, and more so at that time, the absence of women is a constant. However, both before and after the Stockholm Conference, many women have dedicated their lives to defending the environment. Researchers, naturalists, activists … some are university students with studies, others are housewives who organized to defend the interests of their land.
Although the list would be very extensive, we wanted to make a selection of some inspiring women, whose actions have contributed or contribute to create a more livable planet. You will find familiar faces, such as the primatologist Jane Goodall, who with more than 80 years continues to travel the world to make her cause known. Or some of the pioneers in the world of natural sciences, like Maria Sibylla Merian. We have also selected other less media figures, but with equally exemplary stories, such as that of Louis Gibbs, an American housewife who led a neighborhood protest movement in her neighborhood , built on a dump of highly polluting toxic products. Some of these women have seen their work recognized in different awards, including the Goldman Prize for the Environment or the Nobel Peace Prize.
Let’s get to know them!
