Mark Ruffalo is known around the world as the actor behind the Hulk — a character powered by strength and conviction. Offscreen, those same qualities define Ruffalo’s real-life mission: building a more just, sustainable future for all. For over a decade, Ruffalo has been one of the most outspoken celebrity advocates for environmental justice, and at the heart of that mission is his work with The Solutions Project.
Co-founded by Ruffalo in 2013, The Solutions Project is a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the transition to 100% clean, renewable energy — and making sure frontline communities are leading the way. Alongside Stanford professor Mark Jacobson and clean energy investor Marco Krapels, Ruffalo helped launch the organization to show science-backed solutions. They believe communities most impacted by climate change should be the ones shaping and benefiting from those.
As a board member, Ruffalo has helped guide The Solutions Project into becoming a trusted grantmaker, storyteller, and amplifier of grassroots climate leadership. Unlike top-down environmental efforts, this initiative is built on the belief that the people closest to the problem often have the clearest solutions. The organization provides direct funding, media training, and storytelling support to organizations across the U.S. — from Native nations fighting fossil fuel projects to urban communities creating green jobs and housing.
In recent years, The Solutions Project has funded and amplified hundreds of community-led initiatives. These include solar panel installations for affordable housing, climate-resilient food systems, youth-led clean energy campaigns, and so much more. It’s a powerful model: pairing local knowledge with national support to scale impact.
Mark Ruffalo’s role isn’t limited to behind-the-scenes strategy. He consistently uses his public platform to bring attention to environmental justice — appearing on talk shows, writing op-eds, and showing up at marches and community events. He has advocated for the Green New Deal, called out polluters, and partnered with fellow activists to elevate voices that are too often ignored.
This commitment began early, when Ruffalo protested fracking in upstate New York, worried about the health of his family and neighbors. That concern grew into a full-time passion for fighting environmental injustice — and helping frontline communities not only survive, but thrive.
With The Solutions Project, Ruffalo is helping to reframe climate action as an issue of equity, justice, and dignity. It’s about listening, learning, and standing beside those who are already doing the work.
Source: The Solutions Project
