University of Cambridge: Earth Heroes: 22 Inspiring Stories of People Saving Our World

By Author / Illustrator

Lily Dyu, illus Jackie Lay

Genre

Environment & Nature

Age range(s)

Publisher

Nosy Crow

ISBN

9781788008594

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

09-04-2026

Synopsis

Now available in a fully revised and updated paperback edition, produced in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, this inspirational collection of stories about how individual people are saving the planet is the ultimate gift for any aspiring climate activist.

When faced with climate change, the biggest threat that our planet has ever confronted, it's easy to feel as if nothing you do can really make a difference . . . but this book proves that individual people can change the world. With 22 inspirational stories celebrating the pioneering work of a selection of Earth Heroes from all around the globe, from Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough to Yin Yuzhen and Isatou Ceesay, each tale is a beacon of hope in the fight for the future of our planet, proving that one person, no matter how small, can make a difference.

Featuring Amelia Telford, Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski, Bittu Sahgal, Chewang Norphel, David Attenborough, Doug Smith, Ellen MacArthur, Felix Finkbeiner, Greta Thunberg, Isabel Soares, Isatou Ceesay, Marina Silva, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, Mohammed Rezwan, Perrine Bulgheroni & Charles Herve-Gruyer, Renee King-Sonnen, Rok Rozman, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Stella McCartney, William Kamkwamba, Yin Yuzhen and Yvon Chouinard.

Reviews

Jacqueline

Earth Heroes is about 22 people, or pairs, who are making a difference to the planet through their actions. Some of the people, such as David Attenborough, are very well known, others like Felix Finkbeiner, I'd never heard of. All them have interesting stories and reasons why they decided to make a difference.

Stella McCartney, the fashion designer, is known for her sustainable ethos, in an industry where clothing is seen as disposable and waste is often created. Her attitude to only using vegan and recyclable materials has shaped her philosophy. Melati and Isabel Wijsen have had an impact in the UK, even though you probably have never heard of them. Living in Bali, they raised awareness of the issue of plastic bags and now the single use plastic bags are banned all over the world.

Each story is a few pages long and filled with facts and the origins of how that person ended up becoming the 'Earth Hero' they are today. The cover and internal illustrations surrounding photos of each of the people are by Jackie Lay and add to the over all effect of the book. A sort of crossover between story and nonfiction, this book is sure to interest many children and it is very easily read and digested.

Schools doing any sort of work about sustainability or people in that world will find this a very handy book which will spark conversations and may be even encourage children to think of their own projects to support the environment. I hope so.

272 pages / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, teacher