Women Pioneers for the Environment

by Mary Joy Breton

As the torchbearers of environmental activism, women from around the world have created profound changes that are helping to ensure a healthier planet for all living things. Whether it is Judi Bari, who was crippled by a car bomb because of her efforts to save California's ancient redwood forests; Dai Qing, who was imprisoned for her opposition to an environmentally destructive dam on China's Yangtze River; or Dr. Tatynana Artyomkina, who defied KGB threats and exposed health and environmental risks in the Soviet Union, women have put their lives on the line and persevered against daunting odds to restore and protect the environment. Mary Joy Breton provides absorbing sketches of these and other women activists in the Americas, Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, and Asia. Breton interweaves her accounts with narrative on the ecological hazards that drove these women to spearhead various environmental campaigns, examining why and how they challenged, and often defeated, the power structures of government and industry. Although these remarkable women come from various geographical regions and represent a wide range of economic, ethnic, and political backgrounds, they share insights, values, and a particular sensitivity to the Earth that led them to change the course of history. Their courageous efforts illuminate the crucial role of women in the environmental movement, and provide inspiration for a new generation of activists.

Genres: Environment, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 1998

Reviews

[Melisa Cabello Cuahutle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing collection of women throughout history challenging the public, corporations, and the government into a more environmentally friendly world. Although most of the women showcased are from the West, there is still an important number of women from the Global South that were highlighted.
Some chapters were better written than others but overall a great book.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across Women Pioneers for the Environment in March while I was searching for books about women environmentalists to read in honor of Women’s History Month. This book introduces the reader to women from all the over the world who took a stand for what they believed in. The stories are brief and packed with a lot of information. I was captivated by the women in Chapter 1, they are actual treehuggers!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books has a collection of short stories about extremely influential women who have dedicated their lives to righting wrongs that have been made against the environment. Very inspirational and shows that anyone can be an activist if they are dedicated enought to a cause.