1. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Key Message: “What if we get it right?” Marine biologist and co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, Johnson is the author of “What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures,” which asks us to imagine a different version of our climate future: one in which things work out.
She focuses on regenerative ocean farming and blue climate solutions, emphasizing that “40 percent of our climate solutions can be found in the ocean.” A future where we might ‘get climate right’: A conversation with Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – Conservation news Johnson transforms climate conversations from catastrophe to collective action by highlighting existing solutions and pathways to success.
2. Christiana Figueres
Key Message: “Stubborn optimism” The architect of the historic 2015 Paris Agreement, Figueres champions “stubborn optimism” and co-founded Global Optimism along with the podcast “Outrage + Optimism.”
She defines optimism as “a well-informed, deeply in-touch choice that we make to transform the pain into conviction and agency.”
The Power of Optimism: A Conversation with Christiana Figueres | FairPlanet
Her messaging reframes climate action as an opportunity to create the regenerative future we want to live in.
3. Rebecca Henderson
Key Message: “Reimagining capitalism to save the planet” Harvard Business School professor Henderson argues in “Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire” that business can change the world and that socially responsible companies actually perform just as well if not better than those driven only by profit.
She advocates for “purpose-driven capitalism and sustainable business” moving from fringe issues to becoming mainstream.
Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire with Rebecca Henderson – Garrison Institute
4. Kate Raworth
Key Message: “Doughnut Economics for thriving within planetary boundaries” Oxford economist Raworth created the “Doughnut Economics” model that defines “a safe and just space for humanity to thrive” between social foundations and ecological ceilings. KateraworthDoughnuteconomics
Her framework prioritizes “human flourishing on a thriving, living planet” and calls for “turning today’s degenerative economies into regenerative ones.”
POINT OF VIEW: A New Compass for Economics by Kate Raworth
Cities like Amsterdam have adopted her model as a blueprint for sustainable development.
5. Greta Thunberg
Key Message: Youth-powered systemic change The Swedish climate activist who started protesting at age 15 has evolved her messaging from simply demanding action to inspiring youth worldwide to envision and work toward systemic transformation.
While known for direct messaging, her movement has shifted toward empowering young people to become the generation that brings down fossil fuel industries and builds regenerative alternatives.
6. Leonardo DiCaprio
Key Message: Solutions-focused storytelling and investment Through his foundation (now merged with Re:wild), DiCaprio has funded projects in more than 50 countries and awarded about $80 million in grants.
His approach combines film as a medium to raise awareness with concrete investment in regenerative solutions, moving beyond just highlighting problems to funding viable alternatives.
7. Bill McKibben
Approach: Community-powered climate solutions While not detailed in the current search results, McKibben (mentioned in Johnson’s work) has shifted from writing about climate doom to building 350.org and promoting community-based renewable energy solutions, emphasizing local action and distributed energy systems.
8. Paul Hawken
Key Message: “Regeneration” as the path forward Known for “Drawdown” and “Regeneration,” Hawken frames climate action as an opportunity to heal both the planet and human communities simultaneously, focusing on solutions that are already working and can be scaled.
9. Vandana Shiva
Approach: Regenerative agriculture and seed sovereignty Shiva reframes environmental protection as an opportunity to rebuild local food systems, preserve biodiversity, and create economic opportunities for small farmers through regenerative agricultural practices.
10. Jane Goodall
Key Message: “Every individual makes a difference” Referenced in Johnson’s work, Goodall consistently frames environmental action through hope and individual agency. PRESS — Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Her Roots & Shoots program empowers young people to see themselves as changemakers who can create the regenerative future they want to inherit.
Common Regenerative Messaging Themes
These activists share several key reframing strategies:
- Solutions-focused storytelling rather than problem-focused narratives
- Regenerative opportunity language that emphasizes what we can build rather than what we must stop
- Community empowerment messaging that positions people as agents of change
- Economic opportunity framing that shows climate action as economically beneficial
- Positive future visioning that helps people imagine thriving, sustainable communities
- Systems thinking that connects environmental solutions to social justice and economic prosperity
Their collective approach demonstrates that effective climate communication moves beyond fear-based messaging to inspire action through hope, agency, and tangible pathways to a regenerative future.