Make no mistake: Climate solutions are still moving forward. In every corner of the country, people are working as tirelessly as ever to address this crisis in creative, holistic, and equitable ways. And as national and international policies largely fail to meet the moment — or, in some cases, actively fly in the face of progress — the work of those standing up for communities and within industries to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate is more important than ever. 

The 2025 Grist 50 list highlights the work of 50 such people who are making a real difference and moving the needle: Artists who are inspiring climate action through music and watercolors; entrepreneurs who are breaking down barriers for EV adoption and green jobs; and land stewards who are fostering resilience on farms, in forests, and even in cemeteries. They’re working in academia, in local governments, in startups, in nonprofits. Together, these stories are a snapshot of the progress that is still unfolding all over the country — and a testament to the strength, diversity, and creativity of the many people pushing it forward.