This award category recognizes individuals or organizations who have taken bold environmental action in urging and creating decisive positive change on behalf of the planet and its inhabitants. Their leadership and example inspires and motivates others.

The Champions of the Earth laureates are selected by a global jury following a public nomination process. The high volume of nominations reflects how an increasing number of people understand what is possible and see the opportunities in protecting and restoring nature.

The Champions of the Earth face down adversity and affirm that humanity has the ingenuity and the ambition to protect and restore our environment. Their initiatives confront the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and they remind us environmental sustainability is key to achieving sustainable development.