UNEP’s Champions of the Earth award

Laureate

Category

Reason for Recognition

Imazon (Brazilian research institute)

Science and Innovation

Developed AI-driven geospatial tools to monitor and curb deforestation, advancing forest protection and biodiversity conservation.

Manfredi Caltagirone

Lifetime Achievement

Championed transparency and science-based action on methane emissions, influenced the EU’s first methane regulation, and shaped global energy policy.

Mariam Issoufou (Architect)

Entrepreneurial Vision

Redefined sustainable, climate-resilient buildings by grounding architecture in local materials and cultural heritage, promoting eco-friendly urban design.

Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (Youth-led NGO)

Policy Leadership

Secured a landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirming states’ legal obligations to prevent climate harm and protect human rights.

Supriya Sahu (India, IAS Officer)

Inspiration and Action

Led initiatives in sustainable cooling, ecosystem restoration, plastic waste management, and wildlife conservation, creating 2.5 million green jobs and expanding forest cover in Tamil Nadu. Also fighting climate change, adapting to its effects, and dealing with extreme heat.

Her projects have shown that by combining good government, natural methods, and both simple (low-tech) and advanced (high-tech) tools, we can protect people who are at risk while also cutting down on pollution that causes global warming.