Yao Ming

Yao Ming could have returned to China for a quiet retirement. Instead, the 7 foot 6 inch former NBA star has spoken out against various animal abuses including his countrys illegal ivory trade (China accounts for about 70% of global demand) and the practice of hunting sharks for shark fin soup. But the impact of his efforts has been far bigger than the headlines he generates. Following Yaos lead, other famous Chinese are starting to talk openly about the countrys problems resulting in a more public social debate.