UNEP Champions of the Earth Award: UN's Highest Environmental Honor

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The Champions of the Earth Award, launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2005, is the United Nations’ highest environmental honor. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, the award recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations for their transformative contributions to environmental protection.

It addresses the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Laureates are selected in categories such as Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, Science and Innovation, and Lifetime Achievement. Over the years, it has honored more than 120 leaders worldwide.

2025 Champions of the Earth Winners Announced

On December 10, 2025, during the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, UNEP revealed the 2025 Champions of the Earth winners. This year’s theme emphasizes urgent climate solutions, as global temperatures are projected to exceed 1.5°C soon, with adaptation costs for developing nations potentially reaching $365 billion annually by 2035.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen praised the laureates for demonstrating bold, scalable actions in climate resilience and mitigation.

The five 2025 winners are:

Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (Policy Leadership) A youth-led group that secured a historic advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on states’ climate obligations, advancing climate justice for vulnerable nations.
Supriya Sahu (Inspiration and Action) Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forests in Tamil Nadu, India. Recognized for pioneering sustainable cooling innovations, ecosystem restoration, and heat adaptation measures. Her initiatives have created 2.5 million green jobs, expanded forest cover, and improved resilience for nearly 12 million people.
Mariam Issoufou (Entrepreneurial Vision) A Nigerien architect promoting climate-resilient designs using local materials, redefining sustainable building in the Sahel region.
Imazon (Science and Innovation) A Brazilian institute employing AI and geospatial technology for real-time deforestation monitoring in the Amazon, supporting legal actions and forest governance.
Manfredi Caltagirone (Lifetime Achievement, posthumous) Former head of UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory, honored for advancing global methane transparency and reduction efforts.

Spotlight on Supriya Sahu’s Climate Leadership in Tamil Nadu

Supriya Sahu, an IAS officer, has positioned Tamil Nadu as a subnational leader in climate action. Her work focuses on nature-based solutions to combat extreme heat and restore ecosystems.

Key achievements include:

Implementing cool roofs in schools and public buildings to reduce indoor temperatures.
Promoting tree-lined corridors, mangrove restoration, wetland conservation, and the Green Tamil Nadu Mission.
Integrating community participation with government policies for lasting impact.

Andersen noted: “Into these concrete jungles, Supriya Sahu has brought the cooling spray of nature, helping millions cope with debilitating summer heat.”

Why the 2025 Champions of the Earth Award Matters

In a critical year for climate action, these winners highlight innovative, justice-oriented solutions. From youth advocacy to technological innovation and regional governance, they prove that effective change is possible at all levels.