On December 26, 2012, the world unexpectedly lost Rebecca Tarbotton, Executive Director of the Rainforest Action Network.

I wish the RAN community, Becky’s family and her friends peace after such a tragedy. Our movement has lost a bright and strong light.

While I did not know Becky personally, I have admired her leadership from afar – first in my role at Green For All supporting another of our movement’s young female leaders and now joining the ranks as the ED of the Alliance for Climate Education. We have much to learn from Becky’s vision – not least her focus on transformative change in the face of ecological crisis.

Let this be a moment to root in what Becky demonstrated is critically important and immediately possible. Leadership that is fierce, optimistic, inclusive, idealistic and driven to win.