Each O2 Monde style is named after different women who have been pivotal in environmental activism and conservation.
Today our spotlight is on Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, whose endeavor to give all of the Earth’s people a voice in shaping its future. She advocates for the inclusion of Indigenous peoples, along with their knowledge and traditions, in the global movement to fight climate change.
She is a member of the Mbororo people in Chad, who face a dire situation: Lake Chad, a water source for 40 million people, has lost 90 percent of its surface area in just 40 years, sparking conflicts along its shoreline.
Ibrahim's work with indigenous communities at the local, regional and international levels gives a voice to the voiceless, inviting governments and the private sector to listen. Her advocacy for Indigenous communities and her commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge with Western science to create a healthier planet has won her numerous honors.
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim is the President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad. In 2017 she was named one of National Geographic's Emerging Explorers.
During these times of global uncertainty, Ibrahim's words encourage us to work towards finding sustainable solutions that can, hopefully, transform our planet.
Watch her full TED Talk.
“Climate change is adding poverty to poverty every day, forcing many to leave home for a better future."
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim