Champion of the Earth

Champion of the Earth. It is the United Nations' highest environmental honor, established by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2005 to recognize outstanding leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector. The award celebrates individuals and organizations whose actions have a transformative positive impact on the environment, highlighting solutions to the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Laureates are celebrated for their visionary leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations.

Overview

The award was conceived to elevate the profile of critical environmental work on the global stage, mirroring the prestige of other major international recognitions. It operates under the mandate of UNEP, which is headquartered in Nairobi, and aligns with global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. Over the years, it has honored a diverse array of recipients, from pioneering scientists and indigenous activists to heads of state and groundbreaking companies, creating a powerful narrative of hope and action. The annual ceremony, often held in locations of environmental significance, serves as a key moment for the international community to rally around proven solutions and ambitious leadership.

Award categories and criteria

The award is presented across several distinct categories, which have evolved to reflect pressing global priorities. These have included **Policy Leadership**, honoring figures like former Fijin Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama for his advocacy on ocean health, and **Inspiration and Action**, awarded to grassroots movements such as the Sea Women of Melanesia. The **Entrepreneurial Vision** category recognizes innovators like the company Patagonia, while **Science and Innovation** has celebrated researchers from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Nominees are rigorously assessed on the demonstrated impact, scalability, and originality of their work, its contribution to environmental stewardship, and its potential to inspire replication across the Global South and Global North.

List of laureates

The roster of laureates includes many of the world's most influential environmental figures. Early honorees included former United States Vice President Al Gore and the late French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Recent years have seen awards bestowed upon Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley for climate justice leadership, wildlife conservationist Sir David Attenborough, and the UK-based environmental law charity ClientEarth. Corporate recipients have included the Chinese solar company Trina Solar and the waste management initiative The Ocean Cleanup, founded by Boyan Slat. The list also features collective efforts like the Costa Rican climate policy team and the indigenous Guardians of the Forest from the Amazon rainforest.

Selection process

The selection is conducted through a confidential and competitive process managed by UNEP. A global public call for nominations is issued annually, inviting submissions from governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector. These nominations are then reviewed by a dedicated internal committee at UNEP, which may consult with external specialists from bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The final decision rests with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, ensuring the selections carry the full authority and credibility of the United Nations system.

Significance and impact

The award has become a pivotal platform for amplifying successful environmental strategies and mobilizing political and financial support. Recognition often propels laureates' work into the agendas of major forums like the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the World Economic Forum. It validates community-led conservation models, such as those in the Congo Basin, and accelerates the adoption of technologies like green hydrogen and circular economy solutions. By honoring a coalition spanning from Greta Thunberg to the Government of Rwanda, it underscores that effective action requires solidarity across all sectors of society to address interconnected challenges from deforestation to plastic pollution.

Category:United Nations Environment Programme Category:Environmental awards Category:2005 establishments