The Champions of the Earth is the United Nations’ highest environmental honor. Established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2005, it recognizes outstanding leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment.
Institutional Profile and Selection
Foundation and Nature
- Established: 2005 by UNEP.
- Frequency: Awarded annually.
- Significance: Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for the Environment” within the UN system.
- Objective: To celebrate those who are tackling the “Triple Planetary Crisis”: Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution.
Award Categories
Laureates are typically selected in four distinct categories:
- Policy Leadership: For individuals or organizations in the public sector leading global or national environmental action.
- Inspiration and Action: For those taking bold steps to inspire others and create positive environmental change.
- Entrepreneurial Vision: For pioneers challenging the status quo to build a green economy.
- Science and Innovation: For those pushing the boundaries of technology and knowledge for environmental benefit.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Occasionally awarded to individuals whose life’s work has provided a legacy for the planet.
The 2026 Edition: Focus on Oceans
As of April 2026, the nomination cycle is currently open with a specific thematic focus.
- Theme: “The Ocean: Essential for Life.”
- Focus Areas: Protection and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, pollution prevention (from source to sea), and climate resilience for coastal communities.
- Timeline: Nominations close on April 15, 2026, with winners expected to be announced in late 2026.
The 2025 Champions of the Earth
The 2025 awards focused on Climate Action, recognizing leaders who addressed climate justice, methane emissions, and sustainable cooling.
| Laureate | Category | Country | Contribution |
| Supriya Sahu | Inspiration and Action | India | Additional Chief Secretary (Tamil Nadu) recognized for sustainable cooling, 2.5 million green jobs, and heat adaptation. |
| Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change | Policy Leadership | Vanuatu | Youth-led NGO that successfully campaigned for an ICJ advisory opinion on climate change obligations. |
| Mariam Issoufou | Entrepreneurial Vision | Niger | Architect using local materials and passive cooling techniques to reduce building temperatures by 10°C. |
| Imazon | Science and Innovation | Brazil | Research institute using AI and geospatial tools to monitor and curb deforestation in the Amazon. |
| Manfredi Caltagirone | Lifetime Achievement | Italy | (Posthumous) Former head of IMEO; championed global transparency in methane emissions reduction. |
Indian Laureates: A Legacy of Excellence
India has a strong presence in the history of this award, reflecting its growing role in global environmental governance.
- Supriya Sahu (2025): For her work in Tamil Nadu on plastic bans, “Meendum Manjapai” campaign, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Madhav Gadgil (2024): Renowned ecologist (noted for the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel report).
- Purnima Devi Barman (2022): Founder of the “Hargila Army” dedicated to protecting the Greater Adjutant Stork in Assam.
- Narendra Modi (2018): Recognized in the Policy Leadership category for pioneering the International Solar Alliance and pledging to eliminate single-use plastic by 2022.
- Cochin International Airport (2018): Awarded for Entrepreneurial Vision as the world’s first fully solar-powered airport.
- Afroz Shah (2016): Led the world’s largest beach cleanup at Versova, Mumbai.
- Tulsi Tanti (2009): Founder of Suzlon Energy, for his vision in renewable energy.
Young Champions of the Earth
This is a parallel initiative launched in 2017 to support environmental entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30.
- Structure: Seven winners are selected annually (one from each global region).
- Support: Winners receive seed funding, intensive training, and mentorship to scale their “big ideas.”
- 2025 Indian Winner: Jinali Modi, recognized for innovative waste-to-resource solutions.
- Previous Indian Winner (2020): Vidyut Mohan (Takachar), for his technology that converts agricultural waste into marketable products, reducing stubble burning.
Essential Trivia for UPSC Prelims
- Triple Planetary Crisis: This term is frequently used by UNEP and in “Champions” citations to describe the intersection of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
- Selection Process: Unlike the Nobel, which is chosen by a committee, these awards involve a public nomination process followed by a review by a global jury of experts.
- Regional Seas Conventions: In 2026, the award highlights the role of these conventions in managing shared marine resources.
- Relation to SDGs: The award is a primary tool for UNEP to promote SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).