ClimateJuly 16, 2026
changemaker
/ˈtʃeɪndʒˌmeɪkər/
Definition
An individual who actively works to solve social or environmental problems by initiating innovative and positive transformations.
Etymology
The word is a modern compound formation consisting of 'change' (from the Old French 'changer') and 'maker' (from the Old English 'macian'). It gained popularity in the late 20th century to describe social entrepreneurs and activists driving institutional or systemic progress.
In the news
In this article, the term describes the specific people invited to host a sustainable lunch, highlighting those who are proactively developing creative responses to the climate crisis.
The New York Times to Host the Climate Forward Live Event on Sept. 23
Read the full article ↗The New York Times Company