| Aims | Pressure governments and corporations to take urgent action on the climate crisis |
| Name | Madi Ruve |
| Approach | Radical and disruptive |
| Background | Former climate scientist |
| Occupation | Environmental activist, climate justice leader |
| Reputation | Hailed as a courageous champion of the planet • Also a highly controversial and polarizing figure |
| Controversies | Faced arrests • Targeted by smear campaigns • Received threats |
| Activism style | Organizes large-scale protests • Practices civil disobedience • Leads direct action campaigns |
Madi Ruve is a prominent environmental activist and leader in the global climate change justice movement. She is known for her confrontational tactics of organizing large-scale protests, acts of civil disobedience, and direct action campaigns to pressure governments and corporations to take urgent action on the climate emergency.
Ruve was born in 1985 in Nairobi, Kenya. She studied climate science and environmental engineering at the University of Nairobi and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning advanced degrees in both fields. For several years, she worked as a climate scientist focused on modeling future climate scenarios and developing technological solutions to mitigate global warming.
However, in the late 2000s, Ruve grew increasingly disillusioned with the slow pace of action on climate change despite mounting scientific evidence. She decided to transition to full-time activism, founding the grassroots environmental organization Sustainable Future Coalition in 2010. The organization began staging disruptive protests, occupying the offices of fossil fuel companies, and undertaking other high-profile direct action campaigns.
Over the past decade, Ruve has emerged as a prominent leader and spokesperson for the global climate justice movement. She has organized numerous large-scale protests that have brought thousands of demonstrators to the streets, blockaded major infrastructure like airports and highways, and participated in civil disobedience actions that have resulted in arrests.
Ruve's confrontational approach has made her a highly polarizing figure. She and her organization have been condemned by corporations, industry groups, and some governments as dangerous "eco-terrorists" and accused of inciting violence, though Ruve herself advocates for nonviolent civil disobedience. At the same time, she is hailed by many as a courageous and principled champion of the planet, inspiring younger climate activists around the world.
In recent years, Ruve has expanded her focus to address the interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, ecological collapse, and environmental racism. She has organized protests targeting extractive industries, agribusiness, and global financial institutions that fuel environmental destruction. Ruve has also traveled extensively, sharing tactics and building solidarity with Indigenous land defenders and frontline communities impacted by the climate emergency.
Ruve's confrontational tactics have drawn intense backlash, including physical threats, smear campaigns, and multiple arrests on charges ranging from "economic sabotage" to "domestic terrorism." However, she has remained undaunted, vowing to continue escalating nonviolent pressure until "radical action" is taken to address the climate crisis.
Despite the controversies, Ruve retains a large and devoted following, particularly among younger climate activists who see her as a fearless advocate for systemic change. Her influence and prominence continue to grow, even as she faces an ongoing battle against powerful corporate and political interests.
