By Dancun Mboya
In a significant move to combat climate change, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has unveiled its 2025 Champions of the Earth.
This year’s honorees, five exceptional leaders working on diverse climate issues, exemplify how courageous action can effect real change for both people and the planet.
“As the global impacts of the climate crisis intensify, innovation and leadership across every sector of society have never been more essential,” noted Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “These Champions of the Earth demonstrate the kind of leadership that inspires the world to confront the climate challenge head-on.”
Celebrating Leadership in Environmental Action
Now in its 20th year, the Champions of the Earth award is UNEP’s highest environmental honor, recognizing leaders who deliver impactful solutions in their fields. This year's laureates address urgent challenges such as climate justice, methane emissions, sustainable cooling, resilient buildings, and forest conservation. Since its inception in 2005, the award has honored 127 visionaries whose courage drives global action.
Meet the 2025 Laureates
Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change – Policy Leadership
A youth-led NGO that secured a groundbreaking opinion from the International Court of Justice, affirming states’ legal obligations to prevent climate harm. Their efforts are reshaping global climate law and empowering vulnerable nations.
Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu – Inspiration and Action
A trailblazer in sustainable cooling and ecosystem restoration, Sahu’s initiatives have created 2.5 million green jobs and expanded forest cover, benefiting 12 million people while integrating heat adaptation into urban infrastructure.
Mariam Issoufou, Principal and Founder, Mariam Issoufou Architects, Niger/France – Entrepreneurial Vision
By emphasizing local materials and cultural heritage, Issoufou is redefining sustainable architecture in the Sahel. Her projects, including the Hikma Community Complex, utilize passive cooling techniques that can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 10°C without air conditioning.
Imazon, Brazil – Science and Innovation
This research institute harnesses science and AI-driven geospatial tools to combat deforestation, enhance forest governance, and support legal actions against illegal logging, facilitating systemic change in the Amazon.
Manfredi Caltagirone (posthumous) – Lifetime Achievement
The former head of UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory, Caltagirone was a champion of transparency and science-based action on methane, significantly influencing EU regulations and global energy policy.
The work of these laureates is critical as global temperatures are on track to exceed 1.5°C within the next decade. Current pledges fall far short of the Paris Agreement goals, with adaptation costs for developing countries projected to reach $310–$365 billion annually by 2035—twelve times current funding levels. Yet the Champions demonstrate that effective action is achievable. Reducing methane emissions can cool the planet rapidly, enhance air quality, and create jobs.
Restoring forests safeguards biodiversity and mitigates disasters. Sustainable cooling and resilient buildings save lives, preserve food and vaccines, and maintain economic productivity. Furthermore, climate justice ensures vulnerable communities have a voice and legal protection.Reflections from Inger Andersen.
Inger Andersen shared her thoughts on each winner, emphasizing their unique contributions to the climate movement. She highlighted Caltagirone’s legacy in methane action, praised the Pacific Islands Students for their climate justice efforts, commended Sahu for introducing natural cooling in urban areas, celebrated Issoufou’s innovative architecture, and recognized Imazon’s transformative use of technology in environmental governance.
The 2025 Champions of the Earth are not just leaders; they are beacons of hope in the fight against climate change. Their stories inspire global action and demonstrate that change is possible. Watch the 2025 Champions of the Earth award video to learn more about how these extraordinary leaders are shaping a sustainable future.