Mighty Earth’s Etelle Higonnet Named to France’s National Order of Merit
French President Emmanuel Macron has named Mighty Earth Senior Campaign Director Etelle Higonnet (bio) a Chevalier of France’s Ordre national du Mérite (National Order of Merit), honoring her for her work to protect the environment. Mighty Earth Chairman Henry Waxman and CEO Glenn Hurowitz released the following statements celebrating the news.
Mighty Earth Chairman and former Congressman Henry Waxman:
“Etelle’s accomplishments – including transforming the cocoa industry and her pioneering legal work to drive major French and international companies to address serious human rights and environmental issues throughout their supply chains – are extraordinary. She is an inspiration to the team, a model for effective advocacy, and a truly wonderful person. I am so pleased that France has recognized her with this prestigious honor.
“At a time when too many governments are shirking their duty to protect the environment and address the climate crisis, Etelle is a force both of and for nature. I am honored to work alongside her and offer my sincere congratulations.”
Mighty Earth CEO Glenn Hurowitz:
“Etelle is a towering figure in the global movement to protect the world’s forests, solve the climate crisis, and advance fundamental human rights.
“Etelle has been able to drive the transformation of some of the biggest industries in the world – cocoa, rubber, soy, and more – because of the way she combines her irresistible reservoir of moral force with a charm that inspires organizations, governments, and even cynical corporate executives to want to change.
“It is fitting that she has been awarded the Order of Merit. Those who do this work best do it not for external recognition but to have an impact on the world, and that is triply true of Etelle. But that kind of selfless commitment deserves celebration, and we hope that Etelle will serve as an example that will inspire many more people to understand the extraordinary changes that a combination of commitment and intelligence can achieve.”
