World renowned primatologist Jane Goodall thinks giving people hope for the future is key to changing the way we interact with nature and our planet. Her organization Roots and Shoots aims to foster this respect and caring in youth through active learning and engagement. This hope for the future is what we need to see positive change on this earth. Take action now to help sprout change.

Gord Downie jumped to the front lines of a battle against an unfair polluter when a cement company was experimenting with burning tires as an alternative fuel source. He joined forces with the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper after hearing a speech by Robert Kennedy Jr. and put a halt to the unsafe practice in the lakeside village of Bath, Ontario.

Mark Mattson has used his background in criminal law to successfully run Lake Ontario Waterkeepers beginning in 2001. Their goal is to promote “Swim-able, Drinkable and Fishable Water”. Since then, he has gained a reputation as a dedicated environmental warrior who aims to bring meaning and force to environmental laws everywhere.

Think of global environmental problems in the 21st century, and global warming will likely top the list. It’s something we hear about nearly every day, yet we don’t have a stable solution for. There are ideas though. Take trees, a major life force for the planet, providing shelter and food for up to 90% of terrestrial species, oxygen for humanity, and support for most of the world’s natural systems.

Ian Clifford never looked back after purchasing a 40-year old electric car in 1994 for his 8 km daily commute. The Toronto-area entrepreneur sold his internet marketing company and created ZENN Motor Company, which began production of electric cars in 2006. Although they were manufactured in Quebec, ZENN’s cars hadn’t met Transport Canada’s regulations until a pilot project was introduced to test Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) in provincial parks.

Simple environmental actions add up, be they to save energy, fuel, or water. Incandescent bulbs waste 95% of the electricity that they consume as heat; 70% of vehicles have at least one tire with an inflation problem; if every one of us checked the tire pressure on our cars, Canadian drivers could save enough fuel to fill 257 Olympic size swimming pools. Regular showerheads use 18 to 27 litres or more of water per minute; if every one of us switched to low-flow showerheads, we could each cut water use in showers by 50-70%.

As Tzeporah Berman told George Strombolopolis on The Hour, Everyone remembers their moment, the one that thrust them into action, and set them on a path to realizing a goal and finding a solution to a cause they believe in.

Our reliance on fossil fuels, including heavy oils for transport and production, is the major cause of skyrocketing carbon emissions and soaring global temperatures. Racecar driver and environmentalist, Leilani Munter uses her Carbon Free Girl persona to raise awareness of the harms of fossil fuels and climate change, and offers alternatives to the way we use energy.

Emily Hunter is the daughter of late Greenpeace co-founder Robert Hunter and fellow activist Bobbi Hunter. Soon after graduating from high school, Emily became an activist herself when she witnessed appalling environmental and humanitarian conditions on a trip to China. This young GreenHero is well-informed on a wide range of issues from pollution to endangered habitats and species protection. She has participated in anti-whaling campaigns, oil-spill cleanups and projects opposing Alberta's tar sands, the latter of which she calls: "our biggest environment crime on the planet - our scar on the world".

Andrew Ference is a National Hockey League (NHL) superstar with the Boston Bruins, and a leader in the fight to reduce carbon emissions. He spearheaded a partnership between the NHL and the David Suzuki Foundation, forming the Carbon Neutral Challenge to inspire over 500 hockey players to offset their carbon emissions from travel. More astounding still, is Andrew’s personal dedication to change; he bikes to work every day to reduce his environmental impact.