We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. 

Earth Day is approaching, and with it comes a renewed opportunity for meaningful action. The theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” is more than a slogan—it’s a global call to leverage innovation, community, and leadership to safeguard our environment.

One of the most powerful ways to make an impact this April is to bring in one of the world’s top Earth Day guest speakers. These thought leaders don’t just talk about change—they inspire it. They educate, motivate, and equip audiences with the tools to build a more sustainable future.

Whether you’re planning a corporate event, school-wide program, or public environmental forum, this guide will help you find the right speaker—and maximize their impact.

Why Hiring Earth Day Guest Speakers Matters in 2025

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat. It’s a present challenge. According to the UN, we have fewer than 10 years to cut global emissions nearly in half to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change.

Earth Day guest speakers provide more than facts. They offer context. They turn statistics into stories. They personalize the global crisis and make sustainability solutions tangible. From business leaders to conservationists, their diverse experiences and insights give audiences the push they need to act.

What Makes a Guest Speaker Right for Earth Day?

When selecting your speaker, look for:

• Expertise: Do they have real-world experience or published research?
• Relevance: Are their topics aligned with your organization’s sustainability goals?
• Engagement: Can they tailor their message to your specific audience?

And most importantly—do they leave people inspired to do something?

Need help finding the perfect speaker for your audience? Check out our guide on How to hire the right sustainability speaker for your 2025 event.

The Best Earth Day Guest Speakers for 2025

These industry-recognized professionals represent a variety of fields, from science and architecture to social impact and entrepreneurship. They’ve been vetted for their clarity, impact, and credibility.

Tim Smit – Visionary Environmental Entrepreneur

Specialty: Ecological design, sustainability innovation

Tim Smit is the co-founder of the Eden Project, an ecological marvel built on a reclaimed clay pit. His work exemplifies what can happen when nature, technology, and vision meet. Perfect for organizations seeking bold thinking and long-term environmental transformation.

Ayo Sokale – Civil Engineer & Sustainability Advocate

Specialty: Flood risk, environmental justice, STEM advocacy

Named one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering and one of the top woman speakers, Ayo’s presentations focus on equity in environmental design. She’s especially impactful at corporate events or university panels exploring environmental justice and inclusive innovation.

Gina McCarthy – Environmental Policy Expert

Specialty: Environmental policy, climate change mitigation

Gina McCarthy served as the 13th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and was the first-ever White House National Climate Advisor under President Joe Biden. With decades of public service experience, Gina helps organizations understand climate policy, navigate regulatory change, and lead toward a net-zero future.

Dr. Jane Goodall – Wildlife Conservationist

Specialty: Wildlife conservation, ecological resilience

Dr. Jane Goodall is one of the world’s foremost experts on chimpanzees and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. She is an internationally revered conservationist whose message of interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the environment resonates across generations.

Bill McKibben – Climate Activist

Specialty: Climate activism, fossil fuel divestment

Bill McKibben is an environmentalist, author, and founder of 350.org—one of the planet’s most influential grassroots climate campaigns. A compelling voice on global warming and energy justice, Bill speaks passionately on mobilizing communities and corporations toward climate leadership.

Van Jones – Environmental Justice Advocate

Specialty: Environmental justice, green economy

Van Jones is a CNN political commentator and best-selling author who has spent decades advocating for clean energy and equitable climate solutions. As the founder of Green For All and the Dream Corps, Van delivers high-impact talks connecting sustainability to social justice.

Katharine Hayhoe – Climate Scientist

Specialty: Climate science, faith-based environmental action

Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist and Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy. Known for making climate science accessible, she bridges divides—especially with faith-based and politically diverse audiences—to foster shared action against climate change.

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez – Indigenous Environmentalist

Specialty: Indigenous environmentalism, youth climate action

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is an Indigenous environmental activist, hip-hop artist, and former Youth Director of Earth Guardians. His activism blends culture and climate advocacy, empowering young people to lead movements for systemic change.Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is an Indigenous environmental activist, hip-hop artist, and former Youth Director of Earth Guardians. His activism blends culture and climate advocacy, empowering young people to lead movements for systemic change.

Paul Hawken – Environmentalist and Author

Specialty: Regenerative business, climate solutions

Paul Hawken is a renowned environmentalist and author of Drawdown and Regeneration, two groundbreaking books on reversing climate change. He speaks to business leaders, NGOs, and policymakers about sustainable economics, systems thinking, and regenerative business models.

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – Marine Biologist

Specialty: Marine science, ocean policy

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist and founder of Urban Ocean Lab. With a dynamic voice in climate justice and ocean conservation, she advocates for science-based policy to safeguard marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Leah Thomas – Environmental Activist

Specialty: Intersectional environmentalism, social impact

Leah Thomas is an environmental activist and founder of Intersectional Environmentalist, a platform that amplifies diverse voices in sustainability. She challenges organizations to integrate environmental and racial equity into their missions.

Autumn Peltier – Water Rights Advocate

Specialty: Water rights, Indigenous advocacy

Autumn Peltier is a global Indigenous water protector and Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation. She has spoken before the UN and continues to raise awareness around the sacred importance of clean water and Indigenous sovereignty.

Additional Influential Voices in Sustainability

If you're still looking for the right fit, these respected professionals are excellent additions to consider. Each one brings unique insight to environmental, scientific, and social impact topics—making them a strong choice for any Earth Day guest speaker lineup.

Other thought leaders to consider:

1. Amber Jenkins – Climate science communication and public engagement
2. Angel Hsu – Environmental data science and policy innovation
3. Michael E. Mann – Climate change research and advocacy
4. James Hansen – Climate science and environmental policy
5. Sylvia Earle – Marine biology and ocean conservation
6. Jeff Moss – Cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience
7. Lori Greiner – Sustainable product innovation and entrepreneurship
8. Kitty Bartholomew – Eco-friendly design and green living
9. Joe Uehlein – Labor rights and climate advocacy
10. Alveda King – Social justice and environmental ethics

For even more speaker options covering sustainability, environmental innovation, and climate leadership, you can also explore the full Sustainability Speakers Directory.

Planning Tips: How to Book Earth Day Guest Speakers Effectively

Hiring a keynote speaker is an investment. Here’s how to maximize it:

1. Book Early

Top names are in high demand—especially near April 22. Aim to book at least 3–4 months in advance.

2. Align Their Message with Your Goals

Customize the talk to match your organization's sustainability targets or Earth Day initiatives.

3. Consider Format and Accessibility

Whether it’s in-person, hybrid, or virtual—make sure your speaker is comfortable and well-prepared in the chosen format.

4. Set a Clear Budget

Speaker fees vary. For guidance on what to expect, use this Sustainability Speaker Fees Guide to plan effectively.

Final Thoughts: Make Earth Day 2025 Count

Earth Day guest speakers have the power to shift perspectives, drive conversations, and catalyze action. They're not just presenters. They're change-makers, educators, and champions of a sustainable future.