Ray Dearlove– Aussie conservationist photo by Julia Salnicki

Every day for the next two weeks, we are going to introduce you to men, women, indigenous groups, doctors, scientists, broadcasters, rangers and fearless activists who stand for the planet.

They apply creativity, energy, courage and just plain elbow grease to make the Earth a better place. They do amazing work, they take chances that most of us never would. They care deeply, they speak passionately, and they inspire other people too. Be inspired. Make a list of your own, post it, take action.

Here’s who you’ll meet this week:  

Conservationist Ray Dearlove and his Australian airlift to save endangered rhinos;

Frans De Waal and the Culture of Empathy. Below: a much younger Frans and companion. Photo by Chris Ryan PhD

Frans De Waal and his amazing animal studies –and books –on empathy, reciprocity and morality;

Paula Apsell Courtesy of WGBH Foundation

PBS TV producer Paula Apsell and her role in citizen science for 30+ years;

Babies delivered by Doctors without Borders

Doctors without Borders (Les Medecins sans Frontieres) who defy war, terrorism, disease, and famine to offer medical and humanitarian care in 60 countries;

Berta Caceres Courtesy of Truthdig

Berta Caceres and hundreds of Latin American activists who risked all—and died – as advocates for land, water and the rights of poor and indigenous people.