The Champions of the Earth Award, created by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2005, is the highest environmental accolade from the UN. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, it honors individuals and groups making real strides in environmental protection.
This award tackles three big issues: climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. Winners are chosen from various categories including Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, and more. So far, over 120 remarkable leaders from around the world have been recognized.
2025 Champions of the Earth Winners Announced
On December 10, 2025, UNEP announced the latest winners during the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi. This year’s theme focuses on urgent climate solutions as global temperatures are expected to rise beyond 1.5°C soon. For developing countries, adaptation costs could reach $365 billion annually by 2035, underlining the need for immediate action.
Inger Andersen, UNEP’s Executive Director, celebrated this year’s winners for showcasing bold strategies to enhance climate resilience.
The five winners in 2025 are:
- Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (Policy Leadership) – A youth-led team that achieved a landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on climate responsibilities, advocating for justice for vulnerable nations.
- Supriya Sahu (Inspiration and Action) – Additional Chief Secretary for Environment in Tamil Nadu, India, recognized for her innovative approaches to sustainable cooling and ecosystem restoration. Her efforts have created 2.5 million green jobs and enhanced resilience for almost 12 million people.
- Mariam Issoufou (Entrepreneurial Vision) – An architect from Niger promoting sustainable building practices using local materials, revolutionizing construction in the Sahel region.
- Imazon (Science and Innovation) – A Brazilian institute using AI and geospatial tech for real-time monitoring of Amazon deforestation, aiding legal interventions and forest governance.
- Manfredi Caltagirone (Lifetime Achievement, posthumous) – Former head of UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory, recognized for his work in enhancing global methane transparency and reduction initiatives.
Spotlight on Supriya Sahu’s Climate Leadership in Tamil Nadu
Supriya Sahu stands out as a climate leader in Tamil Nadu, promoting nature-based solutions to combat heat and restore ecosystems.
Some of her key achievements include:
- Installing cool roofs in schools and public buildings to lower indoor temperatures.
- Creating tree-lined paths, restoring mangroves, and promoting wetland conservation through the Green Tamil Nadu Mission.
- Engaging community participation alongside government efforts to ensure lasting change.
Andersen remarked, “In these concrete jungles, Supriya Sahu has brought the cooling spray of nature, helping countless people cope with severe summer heat.”
Why the 2025 Champions of the Earth Award Matters
This year’s winners are crucial for climate action and show that effective change is achievable at all levels. From youth activism to technological advances and regional governance, their work inspires hope and action. Recent surveys indicate that public awareness of climate issues has risen significantly, with many people now supporting sustainable practices. This shift highlights the critical role individuals and communities play in the fight against climate change.
For further reading, you can check out the UN’s official site on climate actions and initiatives.
