Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition of the European Commission, on the life and legacy of Manfredi Caltagirone, honouring his leadership on one of the most urgent climate battles of our time. 

“Manfredi dedicated his career to one of the most urgent fights of our time – reducing methane emissions. Methane is the second-most-powerful greenhouse gas and responsible for a third of today’s warming. As head of the IMEO, Manfredi built a team, a vision and a mission. He knew that open, reliable and actionable data is essential to drive change.   

Thanks to his work, governments, companies and communities everywhere are better equipped to cut emissions, to protect people and to build resilience. Every tonne of methane avoided means less global warming, fewer disasters and a safer future for all.  Manfredi saw that climate action is possible -- that science, courage and cooperation can change the course of events.   

I am so sorry not to be able to count on him today. But his legacy is a reminder we cannot slow down and we cannot step back. Climate action must remain central to our collective agenda. This award is a tribute not only to his achievements, but to his vision, his leadership and his ability to inspire those around him.” 

 Read the full story: Manfredi Caltagirone, Former Head, UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory.