The Grist 50 is a list of 50 people across the U.S. who are tackling some of the most pressing problems of today in innovative and exciting ways.
On this year’s list, you’ll find creatives bringing powerful stories to new audiences, advocates pushing for healthy and just food systems, and tech wizards putting AI to work for more efficient energy infrastructure. These leaders have pushed back against harmful industries (and won), cut carbon emissions from hospitals, advanced wildfire solutions from Hawai‘i to California, and brought together unlikely coalitions to break ground on clean energy networks. They’re teachers, scientists, doctors, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, and activists who are putting climate front and center in their work and driving real progress.
While no individual can solve climate change, progress depends on individuals figuring out how to bring their skills and passions to the table. The Grist 50 shows what that looks like. For each of the people featured here, their journey is still unfolding — these short profiles offer just a taste of what they’ve accomplished so far, and where they’re going.