Five climate pioneers: UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025

As the world works to slow climate change and create a more sustainable future, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) on Wednesday named five new climate visionaries as itsChampions of the Earth 2025 — the highest environmental distinction awarded by the UN.

These five extraordinary leaders, working on issues ranging from climate justice to sustainable cooling and forest protection, show that bold action can lead to real change for people and the planet.

“As the global impacts of the climate crisis intensify, innovation and leadership across all sectors of society have never been more essential. » said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

“From young students demanding climate justice, to subnational governments and architects at the forefront of sustainable cooling and smart building design, to research institutions slowing deforestation – and passionate individuals working to reduce methane emissions – this year’s Champions of the Earth are demonstrating the kind of leadership that will inspire the world to tackle the challenge of climate change.

This year’s winners tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate justice, methane emissions, sustainable cooling, resilient buildings and the forest conversation, according to the United Nations environment agency.

The UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 are:

Pacific Island students fight climate change–Political leadership

When Cynthia Houniuhi addressed the International Court of Justice in The Hague a year ago, she spoke clearly: climate change is devastating Pacific island nations like her home country, the Solomon Islands.

Thanks to his youth-led NGO, which secured a historic International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirming the legal obligation of states to prevent climate damage and defend human rights, it helps reshape global climate law and hold vulnerable nations accountable.

Indian environmentalist Ms Sahu is redefining how communities adapt to extreme heat – restoring nature to cool cities, redesigning schools to make them safer, and promoting climate-smart infrastructure.

Its sustainable cooling and restoration initiatives have created 2.5 million green jobs, expanded forest cover and improved the resilience of 12 million people.

Mariam Issoufou, Director and Founder, Mariam Issoufou Architects, Niger/France–Entrepreneurial vision

By basing her architecture on local materials and cultural heritage, Ms. Issoufou is redefining sustainable and climate-resilient buildings across the Sahel and inspiring a new generation of designers who are shaping Africa’s built environment.

Through projects like the Hikma community complex in Niger, it is pioneering passive cooling techniques that keep buildings up to 10°C cooler without air conditioning.

Amazon, Brazil–Science and innovation

Imazon has developed AI deforestation prediction models that inform policy and help law enforcement protect the Amazon rainforest, while promoting sustainable economic growth.

By combining science and AI-powered geospatial tools to curb deforestation, Imazon’s nonprofit research institute has strengthened forest governance, supported thousands of lawsuits, and revealed the scale of illegal deforestation, driving systemic change in the Amazon basin.

Manfredi Caltagirone (posthumous) –Lifetime Achievement

Mr. Caltagirone has dedicated his career to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Guided by his vision of open, reliable and actionable data, he has led efforts to transform knowledge into climate action.

As former director of UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory, he advanced transparency and science-based policies on methane emissions, helping to shape the EU’s first methane emissions regulation and shaping global energy policy.