Applications are now open for the 2025 UNEP Environment Young Champions of the Earth Program. The Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour and celebrates individuals and organizations whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment.

UNEP seeks nominations of individuals and organizations working on innovative and sustainable solutions delivering climate action. The 2025 award spotlights outstanding climate action focusing on solutions on methane, buildings and construction, sustainable cooling including energy efficiency, clean air, and forests.

Categories

• Champions of the Earth are celebrated in four categories:
• Policy leadership – Individuals influencing or advancing global, regional or national action through policy interventions to improve environmental outcomes. They shape the dialogue, drive commitments, and act for the good of the planet.
• Inspiration and action – Leaders taking bold steps to inspire positive change to protect our world. They lead by example, challenge behavior and inspire millions.
• Entrepreneurial vision – Visionaries challenging the status quo to build a cleaner future. They build systems, create new technology and spearhead a groundbreaking vision.
• Science and innovation –Trailblazers pushing the boundaries of technology for profound environmental benefit. They invent possibilities for a more sustainable world.