By Mary Jo DiLonardo, John Donovan, Ken Edelstein, and Betsy Riley

In the eight years since we launched our annual Groundbreakers awards, we’ve celebrated cancer researchers, organic farmers, architects who’ve reimagined historic buildings, cryptocurrency pioneers, and more. But you could argue that no leaders are as critical as the ones working to save our planet. Maybe it’s because Atlanta has long been the City in a Forest, but the metro area has birthed many visionary green leaders and organizations, from Southface to Trees Atlanta. This month we celebrate a few of these innovators who have found novel ways to champion our environment—and to include all ages, races, and orientations in their efforts. We reserve special recognition for the greatest green hero of them all, Ted Turner, and the family members who are helping spread his ideals.

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