2023 Goldman Environmental Prize #goldmanprize2023
Diane Wilson is a prominent environmental activist and fisherwoman from Seadrift, Texas, who won the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2023. The Goldman Environmental Prize is a prestigious award that honors grassroots environmental activists from around the world for their work to protect the planet.
Diane Wilson won the prize for her work in fighting against the pollution caused by a PVC plastic manufacturing plant owned by Formosa Plastics, which was releasing toxic waste into the Lavaca Bay, a major fishing area in Texas. Diane Wilson was a shrimper in the bay and witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of the pollution on the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of the fishing communities.
She organized and led protests against the plant, and even went on a hunger strike to draw attention to the issue. Her efforts helped to expose the pollution and led to increased regulatory oversight of the plant. Eventually, in 2019, Formosa Plastics agreed to pay $50 million in fines and to clean up the pollution in the Matagorda Bay.
Diane’s Call to Action
Media
Local activist wins global environmental award – Victoria Advocate
DIANE WILSON ON FIGHTING PLASTIC POLLUTION, LOSING EVERYTHING, AND GAINING HER SOUL – Texas Observer
2023 Goldman environmental prize winners include Texas Gulf coast defender – The Guardian
Goldman Prize Goes to Activists Who Scored Huge Victories Over Corporate Polluters – Common Dreams
A Texas Shrimper Led a Fight to Stop Plastic Pollution. Now She’s Won the “Green Nobel Prize” – DeSmog
Goldman Prize Winner Diane Wilson Protected San Antonio Bay – Sierra Club
Legendary Activist Diane Wilson in Hunger Strike to Protect Matagorda Bay – Public Citizen
