This environmentalist walks across the globe: "For me, it's a sacred journey"

By Manoush Zomorodi,

Fiona Geiran, Sanaz Meshkinpour, James Delahoussaye

Published March 22, 2024 at 8:59 AM CDT

Part 3 of the TED Radio Hour episode A More Walkable World.

John Francis is walking the length of Africa. This journey is just the latest in a lifetime of walking across vast distances, all aimed at connecting to the earth and spreading kindness.

About John Francis

One day in 1983, John Francis stepped out on a walk. For the next 22 years, he trekked and sailed around North and South America, carrying a message of kindness and respect for the Earth — for 17 of those years, without speaking. During his monumental, silent trek, he earned an MA in environmental studies and a Ph.D. in land resources. He is currently walking across the length of Africa.

His Planetwalk foundation consults on sustainable development and works with educational groups to teach kids about the environment.

This segment of TED Radio Hour was produced by Fiona Geiran and edited by Sanaz Meshkinpour, James Delahoussaye and Manoush Zomorodi. You can follow us on Facebook @TEDRadioHour and email us at TEDRadioHour@npr.org.