UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025: Key Highlights and Indian Contribution
Context
Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, has received the UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 Award for her leadership in climate mitigation, adaptation, and heat resilience.
About the Award
The UNEP Champions of the Earth is the UN’s highest environmental honour, given annually to leaders demonstrating exceptional environmental impact.
Key Features of the Award
Establishment
The award was created in 2005 and has honoured 127 laureates including heads of state, scientists, youth groups and innovators.
Award Categories
It has four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, Science and Innovation.
2025 Focus Areas
The 2025 theme highlights climate justice, resilient buildings, methane reduction, sustainable cooling, and forest protection.
Purpose
It aims to promote community-led, scalable solutions and support global goals aligned with the Paris Agreement and SDGs.
2025 Awardees
Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change – Policy Leadership
A youth group that achieved a landmark ICJ advisory opinion on states’ legal responsibilities to prevent climate harm and safeguard human rights.
Supriya Sahu (India) – Inspiration and Action
She led Tamil Nadu’s measures on heat adaptation, ecosystem restoration, nature-based solutions, and sustainable cooling. Her initiatives generated 2.5 million green jobs, expanded forest cover, and improved resilience for 12 million people.
Mariam Issoufou (Niger or France) – Entrepreneurial Vision
An architect promoting passive cooling systems in Sahelian architecture, reducing indoor temperatures by up to 10°C without air conditioning.
Imazon (Brazil) – Science and Innovation
A research centre using AI-based geospatial tools to detect illegal deforestation and strengthen Amazon governance.
Manfredi Caltagirone – Lifetime Achievement (Posthumous)
Former head of UNEP’s methane observatory, recognised for advancing global methane transparency.
Conclusion
The UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 highlights global efforts in climate action, policy innovation and sustainable development. India’s recognition through Supriya Sahu reinforces the country’s growing leadership in climate resilience and environmental governance.
Source : UNEP