It’s easy to feel despondent scrolling through social media and seeing what we’re doing to our beautiful planet. We should be following accounts that showcase important information, of course, but also ones that show beautiful things and inspiring news. In that vein, here are 20 of our favourite environmental Instagram accounts that will fill your feed with beauty and the drive to save our planet.
—
This account is your bible for sustainable living. It’s full of sustainable, zero-waste tips that you can use in your everyday life, in your school, office and home. Expect to learn how to make your own eco-friendly cleaning products.
As the name suggests, the Instagram account has made it their mission to bring feminism and environmentalism together, highlighting not only the biggest female voices and thought leaders on environment and climate change, but also shed light on various issues including gender inequality, as well as encourage more women to take climate action.
Aside from her iconic role in the Harry Potter films, the English actress is also well-known climate and women’s rights activist. Her account is a wonderful resource for detailed yet digestible explainers of the biggest environmental issues and relevant policies of today, introduces important books and perspectives related to climate change, and shines a spotlight on the wealth of female activists from around the world driving change.
Founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark, a 25-year project to show the world the beauty of biodiversity and inspire action to save species, the famed photographer is on a mission to capture the world’s biodiversity before it disappears.
Another account for beautiful pictures of biodiversity around the world. It’s a sobering reminder of the damage we’re inflicting on the planet and those that inhabit it.
In 2016, Joseph was one of five Rolex Laureates awarded for his contribution to glacial research. His photographs show how microorganisms in the ice have an impact on the planet.
Follow this account for beautiful pictures of cetaceans from around the world.
Nicklen is a National Geographic contributor and co-founder of Sea Legacy, who documents marine life and the effects of human development on the ocean.
If you like these environmental accounts on Instagram, you might also like: 21 Best Environmental Films of 2021
The park, which is Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse protected area, is famously home to mountain gorillas, but its account shows the park’s inhabitants at their most beautiful.
A diverse group of photographers from six continents show the effects of climate change around the world.
This account will entertain and keep you engaged in important climate activism.
This fantastic account frequently shows world-saving initiatives around the world.
In 1998, actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio founded The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation which is dedicated to the long-term health and wellbeing of the planet and those that inhabit it. Through collaborative partnerships it supports innovative projects that protect vulnerable wildlife from extinction, while restoring balance to threatened ecosystems and communities.
As the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzee and renowned primatologist, Dr Jane Goodall has no shortage of knowledge and optimism on how we can protect and restore nature and all life on Earth. Mixed with clips from her podcast, the Hopecast, and plenty of stunning photographs of our closest cousins, the chimpanzee, the Instagram account is both informative and cute.
The World Resources Institute’s mission is to move society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. They focus their work on six critical issues at the intersection of environment and development: climate, energy, food, forests, water and cities & transportation.
The international not-for-profit organisation is all about improving the state of the world “by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas”, and regularly posts educational short videos about the biggest climate risks and vulnerabilities, economic policies proposed or adopted by world leaders and influential figures, and occasionally, startups and individuals’ climate solution projects.
Lilly Platt is an international environmental champion. At 13, Lilly has achieved more than the average adult and has established herself as one of the world’s largest environmentalist. This environmental Instagram account is filled with the super useful tips on how to reduce plastic waste from your daily life, plus updates from her latest appearances at the various international panels and sustainability events.
Paul is a Hong Kong-based conservation photographer with a focus on the manta and shark fin trade, deforestation and wildlife crimes
Aaron is an internationally acclaimed photojournalist and film-maker and EO Photographer. His images and articles have appeared in publications such as National Geographic, BBC, The Guardian, The Times, Asian Geographic and more. His new book, Animosity, chronicles life on the frontline of conservation.
Hannah Testa is a sustainability advocate, international speaker, author, politico, and founder of Hannah4Change, a non-profit dedicated to fighting several issues that impact the planet. Follow her journey for all the inspiring projects she’s involved in and climate action you can either join in or replicate in your own communities.
We hope that this list of environmental Instagram accounts will inspire you to lead a more sustainable life to ensure the health of the planet for generations to come.
Featured image by: Flickr