https://bernheim.org/news/isaac-wolfe-bernheim-climate-heroes-2025/
By Mark Wourms
From Worry to Action: How the 2025 Bernheim Climate Heroes Inspire Change
Many of us feel the weight of the climate crisis. We read the headlines, see the impacts, and wonder: What can I do? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but Bernheim’s 2025 Isaac W. Bernheim Climate Heroes, Carmel Bowman and Maggie Hettinger, show us that meaningful action is possible for all of us. These two sisters have spent years turning climate concern into climate solutions, proving that individuals can make a profound impact on their communities and beyond.
Leading by Example
Carmel Bowman, based in Nelson County, and Maggie Hettinger, from Bullitt County, don’t just talk about climate action—they live it. Both sisters have integrated sustainability into their daily lives, demonstrating that small, practical choices add up to big change. From installing solar panels and driving electric vehicles to advocating for sustainable policies and engaging their neighbors, they embody the idea that the most effective climate leaders are those who lead by example.
Carmel, an early adopter of solar energy, powers her home sustainably and even sends extra energy back to the grid. She shares her experience through solar home tours, where attendees can test-drive electric vehicles, speak with experts, and leave with tangible ideas for making their own homes more energy efficient. She has also organized commercial solar seminars for businesses and nonprofits, and has taken an active role in protecting local waterways and biodiversity through citizen science.
Maggie, a longtime advocate with the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, educates others through workshops, public speaking, and opinion pieces. She has installed both solar and geothermal systems at her home, uses solar energy to charge her electric vehicle, and engages in direct conversations that help shift community perspectives on climate action.
Moving People from Concern to Action
One of the most remarkable things about these sisters is how they empower others to take action. Climate change can feel like an insurmountable challenge, but Carmel and Maggie break it down into tangible steps anyone can take. They create spaces where people can ask questions, explore solutions, and connect with resources that make sustainable living achievable.
Inspiring Change in Rural Communities
Too often, rural communities are left out of climate conversations. Carmel and Maggie are changing that. They recognize that climate solutions need to be accessible and relevant to everyone, not just those in urban centers. By bringing workshops, advocacy, and real-world examples of sustainable living to their local communities, they ensure that climate action is inclusive and practical for rural Kentuckians.
Their work challenges the misconception that environmentalism is only for big cities. Their leadership demonstrates that meaningful change can happen anywhere—and that every community has a role to play in the fight against climate change. Carmel has also emphasized nonviolent communication in her advocacy, ensuring that climate discussions remain constructive and inclusive, even in politically divided spaces.
A Call to Action: Start Where You Are
If there’s one lesson to take from the work of Carmel Bowman and Maggie Hettinger, it’s this: You don’t have to be a scientist, policymaker, or full-time activist to make a difference. The key is to start where you are, use the tools you have, and take that first step. Maybe it’s switching to renewable energy, speaking up at a town hall meeting, or simply planting native species in your backyard to support local biodiversity. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement.
Carmel and Maggie remind us that climate action isn’t about perfection—it’s about participation. Their work proves that when we shift from worry to action, we don’t just help the planet; we build stronger, more connected, and more resilient communities.
Congratulations to the 2025 Bernheim Climate Heroes! May their leadership inspire all of us to take that next step toward a sustainable future.
To discover more about the Isaac Wolfe Bernheim Climate Hero Awards and explore previous recipients, visit our Climate Hero page.
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