These inspiring women in sustainability, from leaders in climate legislation to environmental scientists, are making the world a better place.

Exactly two years ago, I was captivated by the story of an industry colleague’s young daughter, who was troubled by how changes in the ocean were affecting whales and their habitats. In search of answers, the now-tween Esther Noche began writing a book with her mother, environmental scientist Janice Lao-Noche.

At the heart of the change respondents wish to see is social and environmental justice, powered by education, transformative leadership, and purpose: ‘For people to feel safe and supported to be who they are, without fear of judgement.’  ‘Transforming our education system, and society towards honest, connected, empathetic, critical, creative, participatory, and emancipatory thinking and action.’  ‘Respect and appreciation for the benefits of divergent approaches and views.’

Janice is one of the women—and the only Filipina—featured in the book "Everyday Superheroes: Women in STEM Careers," alongside Nobel Prize awardees and NASA scientists from all over the world.

But, the industry has too many different standards that hotels have to meet for their green initiatives, which could impede progress, says Janice Lao from The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group.

Janice Lao is making it a point to create green changes in businesses.

Janice Lao is the first Filipino and Asian to win the prestigious edie Award for Sustainability Leader of the Year.

Janice Lao, who steered the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Group's shift away from single-use plastics last year, talks about being a sustainability leader, supporting her daughter's burgeoning awareness of climate change, and her unsustainable guilty pleasure.