Announcing the Climate Creators to Watch in 2026

Los Angeles, CA - The fifth annual list of Climate Creators to Watch was released today by Pique Action and the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Harvard Chan C-CHANGE). The list was first launched in 2022 to recognize social media creators making informative, educational, hopeful and original content that teaches broad audiences about the many ways climate change impacts everyday life and highlights solutions that can lead to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Climate change is a complex problem that touches every facet of life, from health care and food systems to more expensive energy bills to extreme weather impacting where people live, learn, and play. But not everyone experiences climate change equally or in the same way, which is why we need a variety of messengers and messages to reach people about how they can take climate action. 

“Climate communication has changed dramatically over the last 18 months. In a more polarized environment, the most effective storytellers aren’t leading with politics – they’re leading with curiosity, culture, health, humor, and everyday life,” says Kip Pastor, Pique Action’s CEO. “The creators on this list are finding broader, more accessible ways to connect people to climate and sustainability in ways that actually resonate. This year we're excited to recognize scientists and doctors who are helping audiences understand climate through the lens of human health – one of the most personal and universal entry points into the conversation.”

Despite over half of American adults saying they get their news from social media at least some of the time, only a quarter say they hear about climate change on social media at least once a month, according to the Yale Program on Climate Change and George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication. Creators on this year’s list are helping to fill that gap; collectively, they reach 6 million users with climate content that is accessible and actionable.

“This program helps bridge the gap between the academic world—where researchers are studying real, practical climate and health solutions—and the creators who can turn that knowledge into stories that empower people to take action. Instead of more climate doom and gloom, we’re focused on what can actually be done in everyday life to protect our health, our communities, and our future.” says Skye Flanigan, Programs Director at Harvard Chan C-CHANGE.

The list features creators across multiple platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Posts from creators on this year’s list explore how climate affects our health, ideas for sustainable living, understanding weather systems and patterns, and nature education. 

“The environmental movement is losing the battle for public opinion and it is up to us, the next generation of environmentalists, to create a bold new vision for this movement.” says water advocate Teal Lehto.

“Who better to help change the conversation than those of us who have lived the consequences of systems that failed our communities?” says Kevin J Patel, a creator, impact leader and policy advisor.

Amanda D'Almeida of Medicine Explained added, “Only 3.1% of online climate content addresses health – yet research shows that when people understand climate's impact on their bodies and communities, it inspires action. We fill that gap, and through multimedia content, push back against dystopic narratives by uplifting visions of a just, healthy future.”

Pique Action and Harvard Chan C-CHANGE engage with creators on the list by connecting them with Harvard scientists to strategize on best practices on science communication. Being featured on our list has opened doors for our creators: previous honorees have gone on to speak at the Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit on Climate Science, Medicine, & Health, UN climate conferences, and Climate Week NYC, and have been featured in New York Times, LA Times, Teen Vogue, and Earth.org. 

Check out this year’s list:

Angie Hong (Stillwater, MN) For her outdoor educational content on water, lakes, and nature that deepens people’s understanding and appreciation of the natural world.Going Green Media (London, UK) For their solutions-focused climate storytelling that makes sustainability accessible and inspires people to take everyday action for a greener future.Brenna Quinlan (Denmark, Western Australia) For her joyful illustrations and education on permaculture and low-impact living.

Jerome Foster II (Washington, DC) For his powerful youth climate leadership, bringing a vital youth voice to global decision-making tables. Katie Tutrone (Brooklyn, NY) For chasing storms, telling people’s stories in real time, and turning those insights into sharp, funny, and accessible videos.

Kendra Nelson (Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada) For using orcas as an entry point to highlight the need for ocean conservation. 

Kevin J Patel (Los Angeles, CA) For his community organizing and empowerment of young people—especially those on the frontlines of pollution—to take action and get involved in the climate movement. Lia Newman (New York, NY) For her clear climate education that demystifies climate policy and shows people where they can get involved. 

Maya Higa (Austin, TX) For using her platform to highlight wildlife conservation and animal welfare. 

Maynard Okereke (Los Angeles, CA) For his high-energy blend of hip-hop and hands-on experiments, making science fun and culturally relevant.Medicine Explained (Los Angeles, CA) For their accessible, evidence-based medical explainers that break down complex health topics into clear, trustworthy information for everyday people.

Rachel Tancock (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) For her engaging, hands-on education that helps young people build curiosity and a lasting connection to nature.

Sabrina Pare (Detroit, MI) For her simple sustainability hacks that inspire people to cut waste and live more in alignment with the planetary boundaries.  

Teal Lehto (Durango,CO) For breaking down the challenging topic of water rights and highlighting the urgent need to protect our waterways.  

About Pique Action

Pique Action is changing the conversation on climate change by focusing on solutions and positive stories. They have produced more than 1,000 videos that have amassed more than 35 million views. They are the opposite of doomscrolling! Go to piqueaction.com to find out more.

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