National Geographic is set to announce its 2026 Nat Geo 33, a list of women who are leading community solutions to climate, food systems, and biodiversity. The list includes women who have worked across disciplines such as conservation filmmaking, agricultural science, and sustainable farming. Their work is often more local and inclusive, with projects often looking less like sweeping technological fixes and more like collaborative efforts shaped by culture, local knowledge, and economic opportunity. Research has shown that environmental progress often increases when women participate in decision-making around land, agriculture, and community planning. Dr. Paula Kahumbu's work challenged long-standing assumptions about conservation media in Africa, where she began producing wildlife programming by African filmmakers for African audiences. Her efforts have been successful, with over five million viewers watching her weekly television series.