
Conservationists and Nature Defenders Who Died in 2024
December 27, 2024 | Source: Mongabay | by Rhett A. Butler
The world lost many conservationists, Indigenous leaders, and environmentalists in 2024.
Their lives were devoted to safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity, protecting vulnerable communities, and advocating for justice in the face of profound challenges. While each had a unique story, they shared a commitment to the environment, often working on the frontlines of conservation or battling entrenched systems of exploitation.
Not included here are the many brave conservation rangers who lost their lives in the line of duty—unsung heroes whose sacrifices ensure the continued survival of endangered species and ecosystems around the globe.
From towering figures like George Woodwell, who shaped the world’s understanding of climate change, to grassroots advocates like Nancy Wallace, who transformed urban landscapes into green sanctuaries, this list celebrates the extraordinary impact of these individuals. It remembers Ryan Killackey, whose documentary gave voice to the Amazon rainforest and its people, and Tuíre Kayapó, whose fearless leadership became a symbol of Indigenous resistance.