The UN’s highest environmental honor, the Champions of the Earth award, is given annually to great leaders from government, civil society, and the private industry. It encourages, protect, organize, and act to address the world’s most pressing environmental issues. Lifetime Achievement, Inspiration and Action, Policy Leadership, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation are among the categories where laureates are recognized. The Champions of the Earth award has honored a number of laureates since its establishment in 2005, including world leaders, individuals, and organizations. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, the climate changes youth movement Fridays for Future, marine biologist Sylvia Earle, American statesman Al Gore, and the National Geographic Society are among the previous laureates.
Nomination Categories
Policy Leadership: This recognition segment honors individuals or institutions of public service whose efforts and leadership have resulted in significant, meaningful environmental change in their country and overseas. An international committee chooses the Champions of the Earth awardees after a public selection process. The huge number of recommendations shows how a significant number of people are becoming aware of what is possible and seeing the benefits of preserving and restoring nature. The Champions of the Earth are part of a legacy of individuals whose proactive actions resulted in environmental accomplishments that have improved our environments.
Inspiration and Action: Individuals or organisations that have taken proactive environmental initiative in advocating and bringing about meaningful sustainable change on behalf of the earth and its residents are recognized in this award category. Others are inspired and motivated by their leadership and practice.
Entrepreneurial Vision: People or organisations who contradict the current system are included in this award category. The winners in this category show how environmental sustainability will coexist with economic security.
Science and Innovation: This award honors individuals or organisations whose pioneering work advances human understanding and innovation while also having a significant effect on the environment.
Lifetime Achievement: This recognition segment honors individuals or institutions of public service whose long term efforts and leadership have resulted in significant, meaningful environmental change in their country and overseas
Six people have been entitled to receive the 2020 Champions of the Earth Award. The winners are listed below.
- Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was recognized for his work on global climate change and contribution to climate-responsive national growth in the Policy Leadership category.
- Yacouba Sawadogo (Burkina Faso) was also recognized in the Inspiration and Action division for informing farmers in Africa how to rebuild their soil and transform barren land into arable land and forest using a conventional nature-based approach.
- In the Inspiration and Action category, Nemonte Nenquimo (Ecuador) was recognized for her leadership and consolidating work with indigenous peoples in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, which resulted in the halting of mining.
- Dr. Fabian Leendertz (Germany) was recognized in the Science and Innovation division for his zoonotic findings and One Health work.
- Mindy Lubber (USA) was acknowledged in the Entrepreneurial Vision section for her contributions to make financial markets more environmentally friendly by mobilizing leading investors and corporations and presenting the business case for climate action and sustainability.
- Professor Robert D. Bullard (United States) was honored with the Champion of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to environmental justice.
