Babette Gallard

I'm a late bloomer/immature climate activist/modern-day Canute trying to hold the rising tides, or at least find ways of soothing and slowing them down. I'm also a writer trying to use my skill to talk about what we should and can do to protect everyone's life on our increasingly fragile planet. Climate change, plastics and fossil fuels freak me out, but I'm doing what I can, where I can, to change things. I work with Rotary, TedX, NGOs, and NPOS, towards a better, greener, healthier, thriving, resilient, fairer, cooler, and more creative future.

I've lived long-term in seven countries, on a boat and in a jungle. My environmental epiphany came at age 60 when I lived in Tanzania, where I managed the construction of a 44-bed maternity hospital called Kivulini. Tanzania's main electricity supply is unreliable, fossil fuel-based, and supplemented by polluting and inefficient diesel generators. Learning as I went along, I persuaded the financiers to install a stand-alone solar-powered system. The hospital is still fully operational, and I could not be prouder!

Today you will find me in Johannesburg with my husband, Paul, living in a city I love and am passionate about. When I am not writing, reading or fighting climate change, I am riding my mule or walking and exploring. In 2022 I received my Masters in Creative Writing from Zakes Mda (such an honour) at Witswatersrand University, where I completed my latest book Future Imperfect. I am currently preparing for a doctorate at Stellenbosch University, where I will undoubtedly be the oldest but most enthusiastic student.