• Overview

This year's Champions of the Earth laureates were announced on 10 December 2024. 

Champions of the Earth is the United Nations’ flagship global environmental award. It was established by the UN Environment Programme in 2005 to celebrate outstanding figures whose actions have had a transformative positive impact on the environment.

Since its launch in 2005, the annual award has recognized 122 laureates, ranging from world leaders to technology inventors. These trailblazers are making a difference to protect our planet for the next generation and have inspired critical action on behalf of the environment. 

Awards are conferred annually by the UN Environment Programme Executive Director. 

Champions of the Earth recognizes laureates in the following categories:

  • Policy leadership – This category recognizes individuals or organizations in the public sector that have brought about profound, positive change for the environment, within their country or internationally. 
  • Inspiration and action – This category recognizes individuals or organizations that have taken bold environmental action, and, in doing so, inspired others to follow in their footsteps. 
  • Entrepreneurial vision – This category recognizes individuals or organizations that have challenged the status quo to demonstrate that environmental sustainability is not at odds with the objectives of business and commerce. 
  • Science and innovation – This category recognizes individuals or organizations whose groundbreaking work has pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and technology, with profound, positive impact on the environment. 

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