News / Environment
‘Birdgirl’ among top five in national environmental power list
A teenage activist has been named alongside MP Caroline Lucas and lawyer Farhana Yamin in The Woman’s Hour Power List 2020: Our Planet top five.
The national list compiled by the BBC Radio 4 programme celebrates 30 inspiring women whose work is making a significant positive contribution to the environment and sustainability of the planet.
Nature lover, ornithologist and campaigner Mya-Rose Craig is number four on the list that is designed to reflect the huge range of roles that are essential to environmental work, and also includes the likes of broadcaster Kate Humble, founder of the Black Environment Network Judy Ling-Wong and Ella Daish, the founder of Plastic Free Periods.
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The 18-year-old from Compton Martin told Bristol24/7 she hopes the accolade will help boost the profile of Black2Nature, a campaign she founded to increase ethnic diversity in the environmental sector and make nature accessible to all.
“I am absolutely stunned and amazed to be fourth in the BBC Radio Four Women’s Hour environmental power list,” said Mya-Rose, responding to the news on Thursday.
“Over 1,000 women were nominated and 30 chosen for the list. I am hopeful that being on this list will boost mine and Black2Nature’s credibility and engage more people in my aim for equal access to nature for all and encourage conservation and environmental organisations to tackle their lack of ethnic diversity.”
In February, Mya-Rose became the youngest Briton to receive an honorary doctorate. She is an outspoken campaigner for climate justice and the necessity for diversity to work towards that goal and is now working on her second book.
Mya-Rose Craig (pictured with mum, Helena) – hopes the accolade will boost the profile of Black2Nature – photo by Ellie Pipe
Woman’s Hour says the list is made up of an eco-system of women who have power in lots of different ways but who are all essential in looking after the planet, whether as decision-makers, innovators, communicators, campaigners or volunteers.
The Woman’s Hour Power List 2020: Our Planet was decided by a judging panel led by journalist Lucy Siegle. She was joined by horticulturalist and garden designer Flo Headlam, climate and energy researcher professor Alice Larkin, environmental campaigner Zunaira Malik, and chair of the Environment Agency Emma Howard Boyd.
Photos by Ellie Pipe
Read more: Meet Birdgirl: The teenage nature lover who’s unafraid to challenge the status quo
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