2020 Champions of the Earth

The 2020 Champions of the Earth are part of a legacy of people whose effective action led to the environmental victories that have transformed our societies for the better. 

By showcasing news of the significant work being done on the environmental frontlines, the Champions of the Earth awards aim to inspire and motivate more people to act for nature.

Together, they Act #FORNATURE.

Dr. Fabian Leendertz

Science and Innovation
Veterinarian and world renowned zoonotic disease specialist investigating the sources of diseases in animals, and their transmission between species.

Frank Bainimarama

Policy Leadership
The Prime Minister of Fiji has taken bold and decisive action to mitigate the consequences of climate change. He has raised the alarm about the climate emergency worldwide.

Mindy Lubber

Entrepreneurial Vision
CEO of Ceres working with hundreds of companies to develop and implement corporate action for environmental sustainability.

Nemonte Nenquimo

Inspiration and Action
Indigenous rights activist and environmental activist, leads the Waorani people of Pastaza in Ecuador.

Robert Bullard

Lifetime Achievement
The “Father of Environmental Justice” with over four decades of action advocating for racial equality and fair environmental and urban planning.

Yacouba Sawadogo

Inspiration and Action
Known as “the man who stopped the desert," Yacouba Sawadogo from Burkina Faso has been working since the early 1980's to turn barren land into forest in the Sahel.

Award Categories

Lifetime Achievement

Policy Leadership

Inspiration and Action

Science and Innovation

Entrepreneurial Vision
Laureates by Category
Laureates by Year

The Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour, recognizes outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment.

#EarthChamps

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