The IoS Green List: Britain's top 100 environmentalists

Sunday, 12 October 2008

Britain's most successful transport campaigner has come top of the first comprehensive list of the country's most effective greens, compiled by The Independent on Sunday.
The little-known John Stewart, who leads the onslaught against a third runway at Heathrow, soundly beats far more high-profile figures – from Jonathon Porritt to Zac Goldsmith, from Sir David Attenborough to Prince Charles – to take the honour. He does so in the wake of an important breakthrough for his campaign – the announcement by the Conservative Party that it plans to scrap the runway in favour of high-speed rail links that would supplant short-haul flights.
The runners-up are also unconventional choices, not normally found heading such lists: Professor Robert Watson, the chief scientist at Defra; Jane Davidson , the Welsh environment minister; the broadcaster Monty Don; and the polar scientist Peter Wadhams. They, and the other greens on the list, were selected for the recent impact they have made rather than for their fame by a panel of judges from inside and outside this newspaper.
Indeed, a host of famous figures – including Prince Philip, David Bellamy, Professor James Lovelock and Richard Branson – who might have expected to be high on the list, were judged not to make the grade at all.The judges set out to identify who is really making a difference in Britain, either directly or by altering public perceptions, rather than those who make most noise. Unlike in some other lists, journalists were excluded from consideration.
Mr Stewart, who is also chair of the Campaign for Better Transport, took up aviation and Heathrow more than a decade ago after winning a successful campaign – as head of the pressure group Alarm UK – against the then Conservative government's plans for a road-building drive hailed as the biggest since Roman times. Of an original 600 schemes, only 150 remained when John Major lost office in 1997, and the incoming Labour government cut those down to 50.
By then Mr Stewart had presciently begun to switch targets, forming a group called ClearSkies, then merging with, and radicalising, the gentlemanly Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (Hacan). His campaign has been so effective in getting the third runway to the top of the agenda that the judges unanimously selected him to lead the list even before the Conservatives' announcement.
Professor Watson, who came second, has been a towering, outspoken international figure for more than two decades. He led the group of scientists that successfully pushed for bans on the chemicals that were damaging the ozone layer. And he went on to be a driving force behind the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change – too much so for the Bush administration, which had him removed as chairman – and to lead definitive, groundbreaking assessments of the state of the world's wildlife and agriculture. He was an inspired, if unexpected, choice last year to become chief scientist at Defra.
The judges were: Nicholas Schoon, editor, the 'ENDS Report', Britain's leading specialist environmental journal; Alex Kirby, former environment correspondent of the BBC; David Randall, assistant editor, 'IoS'; and Geoffrey Lean, environment editor at The IoS.
To have your say on this or any other issue visit www.independent.co.uk/IoSblogs
1. John Stewart, Activist
Not a famous face, but Britain's most effective radical green activist. He co-ordinated protests that brought Tory plans for 'the greatest road-building programme since the Romans' to a screeching halt in the 1990s. Now he is spearheading the campaign against airport expansion – and particularly Heathrow's third runway.
2. Professor Bob Watson, Chief scientist, Defra
Engaging mad-scientist beard and hairdo conceal one of the world's best green brains. Central to the successful bid to save the ozone layer. Fired as head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change at Bush's insistence. After years at Nasa, the White House and World Bank now at bumbling Defra.
3. Jane Davidson, Politician
At last an environment minister who is actually out in front – in Wales, the greenest part of Britain. She plans to reduce carbon emissions by 3 per cent a year, and for Wales to have entirely renewable electricity by 2020. She has published the world's first national carbon footprint, and aims to shrink it.
4. Monty Don, Broadcaster
Former 'Gardeners' World' presenter who now aims to rekindle Britain's wartime "dig for victory" spirit, encouraging people to grow their own vegetables – organically. As the new chairman of the Soil Association, he plans to nurture networks of community gardeners.
5. Professor Peter Wadhams, Polar scientist
Few heeded when the Cambridge professor of ocean physics started warning long ago that the Arctic icecap was imperilled. Now it is expected to be gone by 2030. He has taken five submarine voyages under the ice, finding it much thinner every time.
6. Aubrey Meyer, Campaigner
This former busker came up with what is widely recognised as the fairest solution to global warming, based on everyone being entitled to emit the same amount of carbon. Pushed it relentlessly until many governments took it up. Now endorsed by Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy.
7. Ken Livingstone, Former London mayor
Arguably the world's greenest leader until his brush with Boris. Set a target for reducing London's C02 by 60 per cent by 2050, and introduced ambitious policies to get there, going far beyond the congestion charge. So effective that his successor is attempting to seem green.
8. James Murdoch, Media mogul
A Murdoch? Green? Yes, really. The heir apparent made BskyB the world's first carbon-neutral broadcaster and he has cut News Corp's footprint by a fifth. Greened 'American Idol' and TV programmes, though newspapers have a way to go. Has even, as the 'IoS' reported last year, started converting the old man.
9. Prince of Wales, Heir to the throne
Easy to mock, but Prince Charles has the longest consistent campaigning record of any prominent figure. Convening power, outspokenness, and ability to grab headlines have made him a scourge of ministers over issues from global warming to GM. Latest cause: mobilising City money to save the rainforests.
10. KT Tunstall, Singer
Admits that, as a rock star, she has 'a pretty environmentally unfriendly job', but – as a leader of the Global Cool campaign – has greened her life, refusing to get a car, turning her London flat into an eco-home, and adding a small charge to each ticket to offset fans' trips to her gigs.
11. Jonathon Porritt, Watchdog
Once leader of the Greens and Friends of the Earth, the lapsed baronet is now the PMs official green adviser. He has lost little of his passion, and is ready to publicly attack ministers and policies from his podium as chairman of the Sustainable Development Commission.
12. Tony Juniper, Campaigner
Even he was surprised that his "Big Ask" campaign on global warming resulted in the Government's pioneering Climate Change Bill. Has just stepped down as heart-throb head of Friends of the Earth, but is as active as ever with oodles of campaigning and consultancy work.
13. Peter Ainsworth, Politician
Extraordinarily, the most respected green (if not Green) MP is a top Tory. Started with a successful private member's Bill to protect hedgerows, and has gone on from there. Made shadow environment secretary by David Cameron. Central to credibility of Tories' green face.
14. Lord Turner, Businessman
Another surprise. The former head of the CBI – and new chairman of the Financial Services Authority – is a passionate advocate of action to combat climate change. Runs the committee that has recommended tough reduction targets – 80 per cent by 2050 – under the Climate Change Bill.
15. Stephen Green, Chairman, HSBC
Unusual banker. Ordained CofE minister, leading effort to make HSBC the first carbon-neutral bank. Committed £45m over five years to reduce waste, water use, energy consumption and C02 emissions. Already seeing results. Supports clients in developing renewable energy.
16. Lord Smith, Former politician
Architect of a radical (and almost totally unimplemented) New Labour environment manifesto in 1997. Returned to greenery as chairman of the Environment Agency. Started well by condemning government plans for coal-fired power stations and the third Heathrow runway.
17. Rebecca Hosking, Plastic-bag lady
Film-maker shocked by wildlife choking on plastic on remote Pacific Midway Island. Persuaded retailers in home town of Modbury, Devon, not to use plastic bags. Campaign spread nationwide, taken up by 'Daily Mail'. Ministers now plan a charge on plastic bags.
18. Michael Jacobs, Green wonk
Gordon Brown's green man, and one of the few Downing Street denizens to command respect outside the bunker. At the heart of ambitious renewable energy plans, one of the few bold policies the PM has adopted. Helped fight off Blairite coalman, John Hutton.
19. Fiona Reynolds, DG, National Trust
First lady of the countryside. Cheery and enthusiastic. Scared ministers rigid as head of the Council for National Parks and Campaign to Protect Rural England. Mobilising the trust's 3.5 million members to campaign on climate change. 'Desert Islands Discs' luxury: Ordnance Survey maps.
20. Graham Wynne, Bird man
More an owl than a vulture, the head of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds spends long hours in the corridors of power giving wise, if at times ignored, advice. Sweet reason personified, he's the green groups' choice when it comes to scolding Gordon Brown.
21. Lord Stern, Economist
Nailed down the economic case for tackling global warming in eponymous report. Now a professor at LSE after stints at the World Bank and the Treasury. Entertained by Fidel Castro while holidaying in Cuba. Football team is AFC Wimbledon, so understands tough assignments.
22. Robin Harper, Politician
Britain's first Green parliamentarian, the trumpet-playing, marathon-running Member of the Scottish Parliament joined the party, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth in 1985 on the day the French blew up the 'Rainbow Warrior'. Co-convener of Scottish Green Party.
23. Sir John Houghton, Climate scientist
Key founder of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change. Christian with a second career converting US evangelicals to concern over global warming. His success has split the religious lobby, depriving Bush of an ally in denial, and helping change pubic opinion.
24. Sir Crispin Tickell, Diplomat
Urbane revolutionary. The polished Foreign Office veneer hides a tireless commitment. One of first to warn about global warming back in the 1970s, he convinced Margaret Thatcher of it 20 years ago. Still at full pelt, and elegantly ubiquitous, in his late seventies.
25. Sir David Attenborough, Folk hero
The "most trusted man in Britain" according to one poll, has done more to sensitise people to the natural world than anyone alive. But in the past he has been reluctant to campaign. There are signs that this is now changing, over rainforests and climate change.
26. Dr Sunand Prasad, President, Royal Institute of British Architects
Spent first 12 years of his life in Mahatma Gandhi's self-sufficient ashram in Sevagram, India. Now greening Riba, encouraging work towards zero-carbon design. On UK Green Building Council. Criticised eco-town plans as not green enough.
27. Norman Baker, Gadfly
Parliament's most successful troublemaker has been a greenie since before becoming an MP. Awarded "best newcomer" for campaigning on green issues. Plenty of notches on his belt, even if his role in bringing down Peter Mandelson (for the second time) may now seem fruitless.
28. Professor David Macdonald, Conservationist
Precociously led first expedition – to study birds in Kashmir – at 18. Now hard to avoid as founder and director of Oxford University Wildlife Conservation Unit. Produces award-winning films, writes best-selling books and sits on boards of boring quangos.
29. Caroline Lucas, Green leader
Long the acceptable face of the otherwise forbidding Green Party, and – thanks to proportional representation – one of its two Euro MPs (for stockbroker belt South-east England!). Party has finally given up aversion to leaders – and just elected her to the post.
30. David Buckland, Artist
Takes artists, musicians, communicators and educators to the High Arctic along with scientists to help them "engage with climate change". Directs Cape Farewell Project. Eager to point out difference from Live Earth where, he says, "most bands don't know squit".
31. Martin Parry, Climate scientist
Another British climate stalwart. Long chairman of the part of the IPCC that looks at the effects of global warming. Strongly argues that world must prepare to adapt to some climate charge, while also trying to minimise it. Admirably dogged and blunt while many colleagues waffle.
32. Damien Hirst, Artist
Set to be the second biggest generator of solar electricity in Britain, only outranked by CIS tower in Manchester. Spending up to £1.5m on 1,800 square metres of solar cells to cover all three of his warehouses in Stroud. This alone will account for 2 per cent of Britain's solar power.
33. Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive director, European Environment Agency
Feisty, thoughtful British mathematics professor. Has woken up the EU's green watchdog. Knows how to navigate the bureaucracy, but also speaks out on controversial issues such as mobile phones. Had own BBC radio series, 'The Ocean Planet'.
34. Sir Stuart Rose, Retailer
Converted by Al Gore's film, the chairman of Marks & Sparks launched a 100-point plan to make it Britain's greenest retailer. All buildings are to be powered by green energy. No waste is to go to landfill. Has already started charging for plastic bags, and opened a flagship eco-friendly shop on outskirts of Glasgow.
35. Joe Farman, Scientist
Boffin from central casting at British Antarctic Survey who discovered hole in ozone layer with old-fashioned instrument when satellite measurements were saying all was well. Bravely published findings, sparking international agreement to ban chemicals involved.
36. Lord Melchett, Activist
Another green-blooded toff. Hereditary peer who turned from politics to pressure groups after being a Labour minister in his twenties. He was director of Greenpeace from 1989 to 2000, its most effective head. He is currently policy director at the Soil Association.
37. Nicky Gavron, Politician
As Deputy Mayor she was the brains – and charm – behind Ken Livingstone's green policies. She established a cross-party consensus, which has enabled her to work on Boris Johnson in an attempt to green his administration. There are signs that she is having an effect.
38. Steve Howard, Climate campaigner
Triathlon addict. Co-founded the Climate Group and, as CEO, has turned it into effective high-level operator. Helped HSBC draw up its green strategy. Worked with Ken Livingstone on his climate programme. Advises Richard Branson's $25m challenge for anti-global-warming ideas.
39. Professor John Beddington, Government's chief scientist
Another green, bearded scientist at the heart of policy-making. Three-decade-long record of addressing environmental issues. Expert in sustainable management of fisheries, wildlife and other natural resources. Speaks his mind.
40. David Cameron, Leader of the Opposition
He split the judges. One view wanted him high on the list, insisting he had done more than anyone to put the environment at the top of the political agenda. The other wanted him well down, or off, the list suspecting his greenery is just a front. The compromise was to park him here, for now.
41. Justin Forsyth, Gordon Brown's new chief spin doctor
Former Oxfam campaigns and policy director. Long been top Downing Street adviser on world poverty, and was also Blair's man on climate change. Made it on to 'The Independent' "good list" two years ago – quite an achievement from No 10.
42. Jeremy Leggett, Businessman
Talk about unexpected career changes. First worked for the oil industry, then became a top campaigner at Greenpeace. Then went into business, founding Solarcentury, a leading installer of solar power. Presciently early in warning of peak oil, and rising prices.
43. Andy Bond, Asda chief executive
"Green is the new black" says the plumber's son who runs Asda. He is switching transport from road to rail, saving energy in stores, and turning to sustainable fish. All waste is to be reused, composted or recycled by 2020. He says he wants to make green goods affordable.
44. Paul King, Chief executive, Green Building Council
He mobilised the construction industry – not traditionally green – to get ministers to set strict timetables for all new homes and buildings to be zero-carbon. Now working on existing ones. This is vital as buildings are the biggest source of carbon dioxide.
45. Julie Davenport, Founded and runs Good Energy
Her company supplies 100 per cent renewable energy using the grid. Customers are encouraged to generate clean energy and a scheme is being piloted to pay for surpluses. It has been rated the best company of its kind in the country.
46. Barbara Young, Baroness
A force of nature, literally. Arrived from the health service to take charge of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 20 years ago. Became a top player running, successively, English Nature (where she led the charge against GM) and the Environment Agency.
47. John Sauven, Campaigner
Lean and cadaverous, where Melchett was rounded and jolly, but the Greenpeace chief is still an inspiration to his staff. Just scored a big victory, when six protesters were acquitted of criminal damage to Kingsnorth power station, denting ministers' plans for a return to coal.
48. Sir Robert Worcester, Pollster
The doyen of British polling has long been a strong green advocate. Worked with WWF and the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust. Lobbies the powerful. One of the first worldwide to include environmental questions in polling data. Finds high levels of concern.
49. Tom Burke, Pundit
Three decades ago was head of the Friends of the Earth-led campaign against Rio Tinto. Now works for it as an adviser. But, mainly, it is the mining giant that has changed. Also advised three successive environment secretaries. Articulate, politically savvy. Formidable debater – and luncher.
50. David Nussbaum, Chief executive WWF-UK
Friendly, listening, soft-spoken manner betrays theological degree, but now has the passion of a recent convert. Worked in accountancy, venture capital and industry – before going to Oxfam and to head Transparency International. Rapidly got on top of complicated brief. One to watch.
51. Professor Paul Ekins, Academic
Ex Green Party, now top green economist. Professor at King's College London, sits on Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution and other worthy bodies. Recently set up Green Fiscal Commission to examine green taxes, but he remains activist at heart.
52. Alex Williams, Footballer
Celebrated former Manchester City goalie who now runs its City in the Community Project. The club has reduced the waste it sends to landfill by 85 per cent, recycles comprehensively, uses eco-friendly paper products, has its own windmill and encourages the use of public transport.
53. Greg Barker, Politician
A rising blue-green star, he was appointed shadow climate minister last week. Close to David Cameron, he helped run his leadership campaign and went with him on celebrated trip to the Arctic. Energy expert. Will lead the Tories in the House of Commons over the Climate Change Bill.
54. Mark Clare, Chief executive, Barratt Developments
He is pioneering mass green home construction. Built prototype zero-carbon house, the first by a volume housebuilder. Won tender to put up 200 in the Hanham Hall development near Bristol. Also introducing environmentally friendly measures to conventional builds.
55. Stephen Joseph, Transport campaigner
Longstanding, indefatigable head of Transport 2000, now boringly called the Campaign for Better Transport. Looked to have triumphed in 1990s when Tory road programme stopped, and Labour government promised to reduce traffic and push public transport. Now fighting same old battles.
56. Tim Smit, Exhibitor
The Dutch-born driving force behind the Eden Project, which has just welcomed its 10 millionth visitor. He requires employees to cook a meal for 20 people once a year and read a book they would not otherwise have opened. He was once a music industry producer for Barry Manilow and the Nolan Sisters.
57. James Cameron, Green banker
Barrister (involved in Pinochet arrest and extradition) turned pioneering financier. Founded and chairs Climate Change Capital, Europe's first financial institution set up to fund renewable energy, planting forests and cuts in greenhouse gases. Now manages over €800m.
58. Andrew Simms, Thinker
An ebullient driving force at the New Economics Foundation, where he is policy director. Concentrates on the implications of global warming for economic development. Devised the Happy Planet Index a "new measure of progress" to "show that happiness does not have to cost the Earth".
59. Andrew Cooper, Councillor
Homeowners in Kirklees are queueing up for a scheme brought in by this Green councillor. It gives them interest-free loans to install solar panels, heat pumps and other renewable energy, to be repaid when home is sold. Also gives free insulation to all who want it.
60. Pete Riley, Anti-GM campaigner
The biggest green thorn in the side of the GM industry, first at Friends of the Earth and now as chair of GM Freeze. One of those who defied heavy odds to beat off a determined attempt, headed by Tony Blair, to introduce GM crops. Will be in the forefront of resistance as ministers try again.
61. Steve Hilton, Tory de-nastifier
As Cameron's closest adviser, persuaded him to go green to detox the Tories, taking everyone by surprise. Unlike his boss, has a longstanding interest in the area. Believed once to have voted Green. Now based in Silicon Valley as his wife has a top job at Google, but still in charge of Tory strategy.
62. Ashok Sinha, Activist
Moved from co-ordinating the Jubilee Debt Campaign to directing Stop Climate Chaos, a coalition of 80 organisations with four million members – from Greenpeace to the Church of Scotland, from Oxfam to the Women's Institute – pressing for action. He says: "They can't ignore us all."
63. Tim Yeo, Politician
Tory MP – used to run the then Spastics Society – and 'Financial Times' golf columnist. Enthusiastic, but latish convert to greenery (after becoming junior environment minister in his late forties). A tough chairman of the House of Commons Environment Audit Committee.
64. Professor Michael Grubb, Climate academic
Serious (in both senses) and ubiquitous player specialising in economics, technology and policy on global warming. Chief economist at the Carbon Trust, on the official Climate Change Committee, editor of 'Climate Policy' journal – but more radical than all this suggests.
65. Thom Yorke, Rock star
The Radiohead singer struck a high note helping to launch Friends of the Earth's Big Ask campaign, which led to the Climate Change Bill. He refused an invitation from Tony Blair to meet to discuss global warming because the then PM had 'no environmental credentials'. He has worked to reduce the group's touring carbon footprint.
66. Kate Ashbrook, Rambler
High priestess of countryside access. She has run the Open Spaces Society – Britain's oldest national conservation body – since 1984. She is also chairman of the Ramblers' Association, helped win the right to roam and is quick to prosecute obstructive landowners. Recreation: "Finding illegally blocked footpaths."
67. Guy Barter, Horticulturalist
Has made a great impact as head of advisory services at the Royal Horticultural Society, helping gardeners prepare for climate change. Envisages the decline of lawns and hanging baskets, and advises planting Mediterranean plants and drought-resistant trees. Says Kent will turn from garden to vineyard of England.
68. Professor Sir John Lawton, Scientist
Multi-award-winning ecologist and zoologist who chairs the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. Once famously called US climate sceptics "loonies". Has criticised government aviation and climate policies, and warned of rising exposure to chemicals.
69. Michael Meacher, Ex-minister
The greenest environment minister ever. Scorned by Blair's Downing Street, but beat No 10 on issues from GM to the right to roam. Was left off the delegation to 2002 Earth Summit, but hurriedly reinstated when green groups offered to pay his way. Still campaigning.
70. Maria Adebowale, Eco-lawyer
She is credited with opening up the environmental justice agenda in Britain. Founded Capacity Global which works with the poor and minority urban communities who usually suffer most from pollution and degradation. A massive movement in the United States, it has been slow to get going here.
71. Tessa Tennant, Financial consultant
The mother of green investment, she founded Britain's first green equity fund back in 1988. Boldly innovatory then, they are everywhere now and she has worked in the field ever since. She chairs the ICE Organisation, which encourages people to reduce carbon emissions through a loyalty programme.
72. David de Rothschild, Adventurer
Super-fit, super-intelligent, super-rich. And just 30. But this scion of the banking family does good with it. He founded Adventure Ecology to publicise greenery through expeditions. The youngest Brit to reach both poles, he wrote the official book for Live Earth.
73. John Gummer, Politician
Forget that beefburger. He redeemed himself as a decent environment secretary, turning down a nuclear dump at Sellafield. Out of office, he chaired a Tory working group which produced the best green policy document by any party ever (little noticed since launch was bungled).
74. John Palmer, Earl
The embodiment of the green great and good. The fourth Earl of Selborne (Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, naturally) he chairs the trustees of Kew and has led worthy bodies from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to the Apple and Pear Development Council. Has an unexpected iconoclastic streak.
75. Richard Chartres, Bishop
Another unusual establishment figure. The 132nd Bishop of London described jetting off on holidays as sinful – and gave up flying up for a year. An Oyster card aficionado, he leads the Church of England's Shrinking the Footprint campaign to cut 60 per cent of its emissions by 2050.
76. Rob Hoskins, Activist
Founded the "transition towns" initiative, where communities combine to cut emissions to fight climate change and increase the ability to withstand shocks, as from peak oil. In two years it has grown to 100 worldwide, with 900 thinking of joining – including Ambridge.
77. Pooran Desai, Sustainability champion
Initiated the pioneering BedZed low-energy housing in London, and works on zero-carbon developments across Britain and abroad. He also founded a charcoal company and worked to revive London's lavender industry. Drives a car that runs on chip-shop oil.
78. Professor Stephen Holgate, Medic
Britain's top air pollution scientist. A specialist in respiratory disease, including asthma, at Southampton General Hospital. He has highlighted the dangers of particulate pollution from cars, especially diesel ones. Has published some 400 papers. A Government adviser, but not afraid to speak his mind.
79. John Woods, Campaigner
The dynamic head of the pressure group Friends of the Earth in Northern Ireland who took the Government to the European Court for failing to curb sewage pollution there – and won. The judgment led to an ambitious clean-up programme of investment in new sewage works.
80. John Grimshaw, Leader, Sustrans
Missionary's son who founded Sustrans, the national network of cycle routes. It started with one between Bristol and Bath in the late 1970s, now there are 10,000 miles of connected tracks around the country maintained by 1,600 volunteer "rangers".
81. Dr Fazlun Khalid, Thinker
Islam, even some leading Christians say, is theologically the greenest religion. No one has done more to establish this, even within Islam itself. After a career with the Commission for Racial Equality, he set up the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Science.
82. Sian Berry, Eco-socialist
'Pure ecological Viagra' was the sexist gasp of one journalist on meeting this thirtysomething blonde Green. She made her name putting spoof parking tickets on 4x4s. She quit her job as a website manager to stand for Mayor of London, getting a respectable 400,000 votes. An Oxford graduate, she is a member of the 'eco-socialist' Green Left.
83. Andy Atkins, Executive director, Friends of the Earth
New boy, having just taken over. Campaigned on green issues at his previous job with charity Tearfund. Worked with Honduran communities to halt a dam that would have swamped rainforest and indigenous peoples, and established the charity's climate work.
84. Lord Oxburgh, Scientific businessman
Academic and scientist, who went from running Imperial College to be chairman of Shell in Britain. Outspoken on climate change, both in the job and after retiring from it. Says there is "little hope for the world" unless emissions come down fast.
85. Lord Rees, Astronomer Royal
First astronomer to be president of Royal Society, he has long been interested in energy and climate change. Condemns the Government's desire to build coal-fired power stations. Wants an international carbon tax. Believes humanity has only a 50-50 chance of surviving the century.
86. Barbara Stocking, Poverty campaigner
Chief executive of Oxfam, the world's premier anti-poverty charity, which is increasingly focusing on climate change. She argues that global warming hits the poorest people hardest and threatens to reverse all the gains made in development over recent decades.
87. Chris Rapley, Scientist
Straight-talking director of Science Museum. Was director of British Antarctic Survey. He described the Antarctic ice-sheet as an "awakened giant" because of climate change. Put forward controversial idea with James Lovelock to remove carbon from air using giant pipes in ocean.
88. Fred Edwards, Social worker
Part of the soul of Scottish environmentalism, though originally a naval officer from Liverpool. Long-time Director of Social Work in Scotland, while active in green causes. He founded Scottish Environment Link and is on the boards of various environmental bodies.
89. Lily Cole, Model
Not just a clothes-horse. Clever enough to go to Cambridge and concerned enough to campaign with the Environmental Justice Foundation. Current cause: promoting organic, fairly traded cotton designer T-shirts as part of a drive to end forced child labour.
90. Sara Parkin, Campaigner
Former ward sister who acted as midwife to the development of Green parties worldwide. She was largely responsible for the British one's peak, 15 per cent share of the vote in 1989 Euro elections. Founded Forum for the Future with Jonathon Porritt and Paul Ekins.
91. Zac Goldsmith, Tyro politician
Quiet of late, since deciding to stand for Parliament, losing traction with both environmentalists and politicians. Was to be left off list. But made late recovery last month, successfully giving evidence for six Greenpeace protesters tried for damaging Kingsnorth power station.
92. Camilla Toulmin, Administrator
Charismatic expert on the world's dry lands and their desertification, who leads the respected International Institute for Environment and Development, one of the world's leading thinktanks. She has restructured it, shaken it up and sharpened its approach.
93. Philip Pullman, Author
Advocate of urgent climate action and polar bear lover ("if they leapt from the pages of my fiction, and saw what was happening they'd eat us"). He uses low-energy bulbs and restricts his travel ("I hate flying"). Campaigned against the conversion of Oxford canal basin for luxury homes.
94. Jenny Agutter, Actress
'The Railway Children' star pushes for public transport, including rail travel, as activist patron of the Campaign for Better Transport. Originally a car lover, she was disillusioned by Los Angeles after going to Hollywood. Now says she wants to "wave red petticoat to raise the alarm".
95. Dr Gwynne Lyons, Chemicals campaigner
Britain's most effective expert on toxic chemicals. Worked with WWF-UK and served on official advisory committees. Now directs CHEM Trust, a new pressure group set up to improve controls on hazardous substances to which everyone is exposed.
96. Colin Challen, Politician
The Labour member for Morley and Rothwell has taken up climate change more vigorously than any other MP. Chairs Cross Party Climate Change Group. Did sponsored slim four years ago. Very well meaning, if a bit of a plodder – but the planet needs them, too.
97. Bill Bryson, Author
Appointed president of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, to "raise its profile". Though American, he has lived here for most of his adult life. Has disappointed – largely through over-focusing on litter when the planning system faces its greatest ever threat.
98. Tom Aikens, Restaurateur
The youngest British chef ever to win two Michelin stars, opened Tom's Place, an "ethical fish and chip ship" in Chelsea, but was forced to close after neighbours complained of the smell. His Tom's Kitchen restaurant names the (ethical) suppliers of everything from pork to salad.
99. Keeley Hazell, Page 3 girl
World's third sexiest woman ('FHM'). Swapped BMW 4x4 for a bicycle and a scooter, recycles, eats organically and lives in eco flat. Appeared on page 3 painted green advocating having sex in the dark (saves power), using chest freezer (saves energy), and getting water butt.
100. The Queen, Monarch
Plebs aren't supposed to know, but one is actually rather hot on climate change. Tipped up at Anglo-German expert meeting to give silent blessing. Rumoured to have nagged Blair. Energy-efficient lightbulbs at Buck House. Using hydropower from Thames at Windsor Castle.