From grassroots champions and corporate leaders to political pioneers and research institutions, UNEP celebrates Champions taking bold action for our world.
Established in 2005, the Champions of the Earth award is the UN's highest environmental honour.
Every year, UNEP honours individuals and organizations working on innovative and sustainable solutions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Champions transform our economies, innovate, lead political change, fight environmental injustice, and defend our natural resources.
Champions of the Earth are celebrated in four categories:
- Policy leadership > Public sector officials leading global or national action for the environment. They shape dialogue, lead commitments and act for the good of the planet.
- Inspiration and action >Leaders taking bold steps to inspire positive change to protect our world. They lead by example, challenge behavior and inspire millions.
- Entrepreneurial vision >Visionaries challenging the status quo to build a cleaner future. They build systems, create new technology and spearhead a groundbreaking vision.
- Science and innovation >Trailblazers pushing the boundaries of technology for profound environmental benefit. They invent possibilities for a more sustainable world.
The Champions of the Earth has recognized 116 laureates, ranging from world leaders to technology inventors. They include 27 world leaders, 70 individuals and 19 groups or organizations.
