Wangari Maathai's environmental activism was shaped by her experiences in rural Kenya, where she witnessed the effects of deforestation and environmental degradation. As a champion for sustainable development, she founded the Green Belt Movement, which focused on reforestation and empowering women. Maathai’s educational background in the sciences, combined with her passion for nature, propelled her to advocate for the protection of the environment and to address socio-economic challenges. Her work highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and human rights, inspiring global awareness and action.