4 Conservationists Who Helped Protect Our Planet

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4 Conservationists Who Helped Protect Our Planet

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22. It’s a day to show others how much we care about the plants, animals, air, and water around us. This Earth Day, we’re celebrating four conservationists who made history. By raising awareness, these scientists, explorers, and artists helped protect our planet.

 

Portrait of Rachel Carson with her books 'Under the Sea-Wind' and 'The Sea Around Us' on a blue background.


Rachel Carson (1907–1964)

As a young girl, Rachel Carson was fascinated by the ocean, sea creatures, and writing. She carried this love into adulthood, becoming a marine biologist and beloved author. Her work turned to activism when she began speaking out against harmful chemicals. In her famous book, Silent Spring, she warned that pesticides were poisoning birds, fish, and even people. Her courage to take on big industries sparked a wave of public support to keep our air and water clean. 

Learn more about her fight to help our planet in our kids’ podcast, Anytime Now, or our kids' magazine, Issue 7 | Into the Deep.

Open magazine of Issue 7 Into the Deep with illustrations and text about Rachel Carson.
Illustration of Sebastánio Salgado with a camera on a teal background


Sebastião Salgado (1944–2025)

Born in Brazil, this world-renowned photographer used his camera to show the world the beauty of our forests. Sebastião Salgado began his career as an economist but turned to photography following a trip to Africa. He later explored Brazil’s rainforests and became deeply concerned with the deforestation he saw in his home country. Alongside his wife, Salgado founded Instituto Terra, a non-profit organization dedicated to planting millions of trees. Through this work, he has left behind an important legacy of conservation, education, and the restoration of our rainforests.

Learn more about Sebastião Salgado in our kids' magazine, Issue 31 | Beneath the Canopy.

Educational article about the Amazon rainforest with illustrations and text for kids

 

Portrait of Jacques Cousteau with illustration of a scuba diver on blue background


Jacques Cousteau (1910–1997)

A legendary ocean explorer and filmmaker, Jacques Cousteau opened our eyes to the world beneath the waves. Throughout his career, he fought against pollution, overfishing, and nuclear dumping to protect marine life. His documentaries captured the beauty of the ocean while warning the public about the threats this underwater world faced. When Costeau passed away at the age of 87, he left behind a powerful message: the ocean’s future depends on us all.

Learn more about Jacques Cousteau’s life, films, and inventions in our kids' magazine, Issue 7 | Into the Deep. 

beneath the surface with jacques cousteau story honest history magazine issue seven about the ocean, conservation, jacques coustea and rachel carson written for kids ages 6–12

Illustration of Ynes Mexia on light green background


Ynés Mexía (1870–1938) 

This fearless Mexican-American botanist didn't begin her career until she was 55, proving it is never too late to make a difference. During the last thirteen years of her life, she traveled across North and South America, collecting over 150,000 plant specimens and discovering hundreds of new species. A dedicated conservationist, Mexía advocated for the protection of redwood forests and the preservation of the wild landscapes she explored. The late-blooming botanist would become the most accomplished female plant collector of her time. 

Learn more about Ynés Mexía’s inspiring career in our podcast, Anytime Now, and our kids magazine Issue 31 | Beneath the Canopy.

Podcast cover for 'Anytime Now' by Honest History on a white background

Want to learn more? Check out 5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with the Whole Family or our Earth Day DIY Crafts. Every action and change, large or small, can have an impact on the Earth we know today!  What will you do this year to make a difference?

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