Chennai’s Supriya Sahu, the Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, recently received the prestigious 2025 UN Champions of the Earth Award in the Inspiration and Action category. This is a top honor from the United Nations aimed at recognizing outstanding contributions to environmental protection.
The award ceremony took place in Nairobi. Sahu was recognized for her impactful work in addressing key environmental issues in India, especially plastic waste management and wildlife conservation. Her approach has made a significant difference in how these issues are tackled.
The Champions of the Earth Award shines a light on individuals and organizations making strides in environmental protection. The 2025 recipients are noted for their efforts to combat the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and waste. They are working on solutions that have the potential to make a real difference on a global scale.
One of Sahu’s notable projects focuses on sustainable cooling solutions, which is particularly important as the world faces rising temperatures. This work highlights innovative methods to keep communities cool while minimizing environmental impact.
The initiative is part of a broader movement examining how countries can adapt to climate change. For example, research indicates that implementing sustainable cooling strategies could reduce energy consumption by up to 50% in urban areas. According to a recent United Nations report, almost 90% of the world’s population is at risk of climate-related impacts, making such initiatives crucial.
In the backdrop of Sahu’s achievements, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his congratulations, reflecting the pride and recognition of her efforts at the state level.
Established in 2005, the Champions of the Earth awards celebrate visionaries promoting transformative change across various sectors. Their work addresses environmental injustices and aims to protect the planet’s resources for future generations.
For more details on environmental initiatives, you can refer to the UN Environment Programme.
