John H. Francis III, Ph.D.

John H. Francis lll, Ph.D., is known the world over as the Planetwalker. In 1971, Francis witnessed a devastating oil spill in San Francisco Bay. The effects of the oil pollution compelled him to stop using motorized vehicles. Several months later, to end the arguments he found himself getting into about the power of one person’s actions, he took a vow of silence to become a better listener. His non-motorized lifestyle lasted 22 years, and his silence 17. During that time, Francis walked across the United States, earning a B.S at Southern Oregon State College, an M.S. in environmental studies at the University of Montana, and a Ph.D. in Land Resources program at the Nelson Institute. After graduation, Francis wrote oil spill regulations for the U.S. Coast Guard, but was then drawn back to travel, sailing, and walking through the Caribbean and the length of South America as a goodwill ambassador to the World’s Grassroots Communities for the United Nations Environment Program. In 2011 he served as visiting associate professor of environmental studies for The Nelson Institute. He served as Commissioner for the Borough of West Cape from May 2017 to 2022. Dr. Francis is an education fellow and explorer at the National Geographic Society. From 2007 to the present, He has continued to develop the role of an Ethical Advisor for Strong Angel and Star Tides. He is also the author of Planetwalker and The Ragged Edge of Silence: Finding Peace in a Noisy World. Speaking Internationally on Sustainability and Environmental Justice, his illustrated children’s book Human Kindness was published in September of 2022. Dr. Francis invites young people, educators, scientists, foundations, businesses, media, and anyone invested in the future of humanity and our shared planet to join, follow, promote, and/or support his next walk, a 6,000-mile trek across the African continent – from Cape Town to Cairo. Partnering with GLOBE, a worldwide hands-on, science and education program focused on the environment and backed by NASA and the US Dept. of State, the first 1,000 miles of the journey will take place between January–March 2024. Planetwalk Africa will take Dr. Francis back to his roots (and the roots of humanity) to collect scientific data, spread human kindness, and deliver hope into action. Students from Africa, including GLOBE certified schools, will join the walk, while young people worldwide will track the journey online. Each in turn learning about our planet and each other.