Planet Visionaries – SEASON 5 Planet Visionaries – Ep 6: The Solutions Project with Mark Ruffalo and Gloria Walton
Dec 2, 2025
In this engaging talk, Mark Ruffalo, the acclaimed actor and environmental advocate, sits down with Gloria Walton, President of The Solutions Project, to discuss shifting power to frontline communities for a sustainable future. They reveal the critical role of grassroots organizations in driving renewable energy initiatives from South-Central LA to Baltimore. Mark shares his journey from anti-fracking activism to leading storytelling as a tool for policy change, while Gloria emphasizes trust-based philanthropy and self-determination in fighting climate challenges.
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From Forest Kid To Fracking Activist
- Mark Ruffalo moved his family to upstate New York and found himself living in the middle of fracking activity.
- Three weeks later he was on Rachel Maddow introducing fracking to a national audience and mobilizing against it.
Organizer To CEO In South Central LA
- Gloria Walton started as an intern at Scope in South Central LA and rose to CEO, transforming it into a climate justice organization.
- She became an inaugural grantee of The Solutions Project and later joined its board and leadership.
Trust-Based Funding Over Short-Term Philanthropy
- Gloria highlights that philanthropy often changes with wins and lacks long-term commitment to systemic change.
- The Solutions Project practices trust-based funding that lets frontline groups self-determine how to use resources.