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What defines Mindy Lubber as an advocate, and what makes her such a fitting winner of the 2020 Champions of the Earth award for Entrepreneurial Vision, is her ability to change not only hearts and minds but also the way money flows around the world. 

Fabian Leendertz, a veterinarian who has helped trace the origin of some of the world’s deadliest disease outbreaks, has been named the 2020 Champion of the Earth for Science and Innovation.

The West African nation of Burkina Faso is landlocked, arid and is home to an agricultural innovation that has revolutionized farming in African countries battling the effects of drought and climate change. That’s thanks to the patience and determination of Yacouba Sawadogo, winner of the United Nations Environment Programme’s 2020 Champions of the Earth award for Inspiration and Action.

For his persistence and commitment to action against climate change for Pacific Island Nations, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) today announced Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji as a 2020 Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership. 

The revolution began with magic markers for Robert Bullard, winner of this year’s Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement award. It was 1978 and the American sociologist and environmental activist was three years out of grad school when his wife, a lawyer, told him one day she was suing the state of Texas.

The word champion is a powerful one; it can be a noun, or a verb, or even a descriptor of something excellent, someone extraordinary, the best of the best.

Every year since 2005, 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.

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The 2019 Champions of the Earth are part of a legacy of people whose effective action led to the environmental victories that have transformed our societies for the better. By showcasing news of the significant work being done on the environmental frontlines, the Champions of the Earth awards aim to inspire and motivate more people to act for nature.

Seven Champions of the Earth laureates were announced in 2018.

This award category recognizes individuals or organizations that challenge the status quo. The laureates in this field demonstrate how environmental sustainability is compatible with financial profitability.

This award is selected and conferred by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It recognises decades of consistent action on behalf of the planet and its inhabitants. The legacy of the laureates in this award is one of determined action.

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.

This award category recognizes individuals or organizations whose groundbreaking work pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and technology, with positive impacts on the environment.

This award category recognizes individuals or organizations in public service whose actions and leadership have brought about profound, positive change for the environment within their country or internationally.