Unsung heroes definitely have shaped this world, occupying roles which we will probably never grasp of because how history is practically taught and understood; under the lens of territory and its resulting disputes, changes in leadership or public consciousness, and our academic/practical understanding of the world/technology.
As a world, we should learn about the incredible struggles these people went through to effect change in the climate that they lived in. But we largely do not - because the entire truth is usually inconvenient to those in power, who desperately resist change and the resulting uncertainty, because of all of the potential fallout that comes with increased knowledge of the workings of the world and agency of those they deem below them. Real change is generally only allowed by those in power if it is on their terms and initiative.
There is not a more dire time than today for mounting, as a world, an immediate and potent response to the climate crisis. As a society, no matter your class, no matter where you live, bridging all gaps and divisions. We need to be talking about it; we need to relentlessly speak publicly about manifesting real change and giving power and agency to those who are not greedy, who are not bloodthirsty, to those who deserve it, to people that are actual experts and students of the world - who never abuse their authority and belittle their fellow man, because the focus of their leadership should not be on currency or control, but true, democratically decided-purpose and their role as leaders to provide informed support and passion to the people around them.
We need to collectively envision a fair, exciting economy (and economy of scale) that works for the world and our individual communities. Life should be stimulating now - we shouldn't work as hard or long, we should work to serve the people we touch and to reap every bit of the value that we create ethically and morally. Sustainable and ethical travel should be accessible to everybody - let us celebrate the world around us freely. And through our travels, improve and enrich the world that surrounds us. End the rat race, the race to the bottom or top, the race to the end of civilization, and begin rejoicing that we are post-scarcity, that we are at peace, that we have an understanding of the greatness that we can achieve like never before.
I want and we deserve a constant news cycle where we talk about how we're planning/implementing incredible feats, witnessing and celebrating cooperation that is unlike anything we've ever seen, efforts like solving the energy crisis by effectively allocating resources and utilizing the earth and sun and everything in between better and more intelligently than ever for our collective benefit.