Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 10, 2025 Climate and environment
Climate change pioneers, including the Pacific Student Organization, have received the United Nations' highest environmental honor, the 2025 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champions of the Earth Award. This year's laureates are addressing critical issues across a range of areas, from climate justice to sustainable cooling and forest protection.
“As the global impact of the climate crisis intensifies, innovation and leadership in all areas of society are increasingly important,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.
The Champions of the Earth Award, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, recognizes environmental leaders who offer important solutions in their fields. Since 2005, 127 leaders whose vision and courage inspire global action have received the award.
2025 Prize Laureates
Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change received the Political Leadership Award. The youth NGO successfully secured a ruling from the International Court of Justice.historical decree, which enshrines the legal obligations of states to prevent damage from the climate crisis. The students' efforts are aimed at changing global legislation and expanding the capacity of vulnerable countries.
Supriya Sahoo, Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, was awarded the Inspiration and Action Award in India. A pioneer in sustainable cooling and ecosystem restoration, Supriya Sahoo's initiatives have created 2.5 million green jobs, expanded forest cover, and integrated thermal resilience into infrastructure. These innovative solutions have benefited 12 million people.
© UNEP/F. Fusstetter
Architect Mariam Issoufou won the Entrepreneurial Vision award for her design for the Hikma Community Complex in Niger, which incorporates passive cooling to maintain temperatures 10 degrees Celsius lower without air conditioning. Her approach, based on local resources and cultural heritage, aims to transform building design in Africa's Sahel region.
The Imazon Institute in Brazil, winner of the Science and Innovation award, uses AI-based scientific and geospatial tools to combat deforestation. Imazon's work has strengthened forest management systems, supported thousands of lawsuits, and identified the scale of illegal logging, leading to systemic change in the Amazon.
Manfredi Caltagirone, former head of UNEP's International Methane Observatory, was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. He advocated for science-based action on methane. Caltagirone's efforts led to the first EU regulation on methane emissions and influenced global energy policy.
© UNEP
The work of Champions of the Earth demonstrates that effective measures to combat the climate crisis can be implemented today. Reducing methane emissions will cool the planet, improve air quality, and create new jobs. Restoring forests helps conserve water resources, reduce natural disasters, and protect biodiversity.
Sustainable cooling and green building construction create opportunities to maintain public health, preserve food and vaccines, and boost economic productivity. Climate justice ensures vulnerable communities have a voice and legal protections.
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