The first African woman ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Professor Wangari Maathai, has passed away after losing her battle with cancer. Recognizing that social progress and environmental protection go hand in hand, she founded The Green Belt Movement in 1977, providing job opportunities to women in rural areas of Kenya who planted millions of trees. We have lost a brave pioneer whose work in behalf of women, human rights, and conservation changed Africa—and the world—for the better.

In a thought-provoking essay that she wrote for PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk's book One Can Make a Difference: How Simple Actions Can Change the World, Ms. Maathai wrote about the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have made a positive impact:

To read Ms. Maathai's entire essay, along with more than 50 other inspiring essays by people who have positively impacted the world in all sorts of interesting ways, read One Can Make a Difference. In memory of Ms. Maathai, let us all resolve to do whatever we can to accomplish changes that will outlive us. Even an incremental change—like helping pass a fur ban or convincing a company to stop testing on animals—can have a lasting impact.

Written by Lindsay Pollard-Post

The year has not started well for South Africa's rhinos. Five of the animals have already been killed since New Year's Day, and if the recent past is any indication, many more victims will follow.

Overall, it has been an atrocious few years for South Africa's rhinos. Poachers in the country continue to illegally slaughter an alarming number of the animals. Last year alone, 333 rhinos were murdered in South Africa, including 10 critically endangered black rhinos.

That total is the highest ever recorded in the country and is almost three times the previous year's death toll of 122.

At the end of the 19^th century, the white rhino population stood at less than 200. Thanks to strong conservation efforts, the rhino population now exceeds 20,000. So why are these majestic animals being killed? A belief among some people that rhino horns can cure cancer is fueling demand for the horns in Asia (particularly in Vietnam).

You can help. Please step up and speak out against the slaughter of African rhinos.

This rhino survived 35 hours after being shot twice and having her horn sawed off. chris.corwin/CC by 2.0

Written by Joseph Mayton

virginmedia / CC

In case you needed another reason to love British funnyman Ricky Gervais, we've got one for you. Ricky was on the David Letterman show last week, and when Letterman asked him what he got for Christmas, he responded that the worst gift he received was "the gift of a goat." He explained that a goat was donated to a family in Africa in his name. Letterman looked puzzled. Gervais continued:

Ricky: They're 50 quid down, I've got nothing, the African family's going, "Not another mouth to feed." It's ridiculous. There's nothing in it for the goat. The goat wakes up in barren land going, "Where am I? A week ago I was gamboling through the Cotswolds in glades and then someone just kidnapped me, put me on a boat, took me to Africa." It's like Roots in reverse. I bet he didn't want to go to Africa. I think the goat had no choice. …

Letterman: There may be another way to look at this, but I accept your point.

Ricky: I can't see one.

Ricky is right! Donating animals is no gift for the animals who are "gifted" (they must forage in a dust bowl where they often can't find water, and they end up tethered and are usually slaughtered!). And it can actually make things worse for the impoverished family that receives them. Luckily, there are great alternatives. Ricky's friend could have donated to Food for Life or The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation instead, both of which support sustainable (and cruelty-free) programs to combat hunger. Take a leaf from Ricky's book, and let the goats continue "gamboling through the Cotswolds in glades" or wherever they belong.

Written by Lianne Turner