Champions of the Earth Award
Why in news?
In 2025, Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, received the award for sustainable cooling initiatives reducing energy-intensive air-conditioning reliance. The 2024 laureates included Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil for Western Ghats conservation efforts.
About Champions of the Earth Award
- The Champions of the Earth Award is the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) highest environmental honor, established in 2005 to recognize outstanding leaders driving sustainable change.
- It highlights individuals and organizations tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution through innovative actions. Since its inception, it has honored 122 laureates, including 28 world leaders.​
Award Categories
- Policy Leadership: Public officials advancing environmental policies at global, regional, or national levels.​
- Inspiration and Action: Leaders inspiring change through bold examples and public engagement.​
- Entrepreneurial Vision: Innovators creating new technologies or business models for a greener future.​
- Science and Innovation: Pioneers in research yielding profound environmental benefits.​
