Colombian environmental activist and the founder of Cumbres Blancas, an NGO focused on raising awareness about the rapid disappearance of tropical glaciers. Learning that these are the first to vanish due to climate change, she began documenting their retreat through expeditions, documentaries, and books that blend science and storytelling. Her work extends to restoring the Andean páramos by planting frailejones and other native species in these fragile high-mountain ecosystems.
She also launched Glacier Nation, a global movement that connects efforts around the world to protect glaciers through science, storytelling, and collective action.
Marcela protects glaciers and páramos through storytelling, science, and action. In 2023, the BBC named her one of the 100 most influential women in the world.
Speaking at
Oct 10 2025 (16:00 - 16:40)