News

Twelve environmental startups have been awarded as the winners of the Asia Pacific Low Carbon Lifestyles Challenge, receiving $10,000 seed money to make their ideas reality. The winners hail from China, Bhutan, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Samoa, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Winners received awards in three categories: Low carbon mobility, plastic waste, and energy efficiency.

Young citizen of Kiribati wins top UN Environmental prize UN Environment today made Kiribati citizen Eritai Kateibwi a Young Champion of the Earth for his work on a hydroponics system that will improve human health and resilience to climate change on the low-lying island.

Young Nigerian water expert wins top UN Environmental prize UN Environment today made Niger’s Mariama Mamane a Young Champion of the Earth for her work on a three-in-one solution to some of Africa’s biggest environmental problems: a project that uses the water hyacinth, which chokes waterways across the continent, to create sustainable energy and environmentally friendly fertilizers.

UN Environment today made Yemeni engineer Omer Badokhon a Young Champion of the Earth for his work on biogas plants which could improve thousands of rural livelihoods in his war-stricken homeland. Omer, 24, is one of six winners – each representing a region of the world – awarded the new prize by UN Environment and leading materials science company, Covestro. The prize gives seed funding and mentorship to outstanding individuals, between the ages of 18 and 30, who have big ideas to protect or restore the environment.

The United Nations Environment Programme today announces Ecuadorian biologist Liliana Jaramillo Pazmiño as a Young Champion of the Earth for her work in bringing back flora and fauna and reducing air pollution and vulnerability to natural disasters by encouraging more use of native plants in the green rooftops of our urbanized planet.

The United Nations Environment Programme today announces Canadian fashion designer Kaya Dorey as a Young Champion of the Earth for bringing to market her unique apparel business that not only delivers on sustainability but also an urban street style for a generation wanting to end the wasteful consumerism of ‘fast fashion'.

Young British entrepreneur and inventor Adam Dixon was today announced as a United Nations Young Champion of the Earth for his hydroponic technology that supports the growth of plants using 10 times less land and water than conventional horticulture.