Women claim all categories in UNEP 2021 Champions of the Earth award

Women have scooped all categories in the UNEP 2021 Champions of the Earth award – the UN’s highest environmental honour.

Recognising some of the world’s most dynamic environmental leaders since it debuted in 2005, this year's award celebrates laureates in the four categories of Inspiration and Action, Policy Leadership, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation.

On the accolade, which this year received a record number of nominations from across the globe, UNEP executive director Inger Andersen said: “As we enter into a decisive decade, to cut emissions and protect and restore ecosystems, UNEP’s Champions of the Earth demonstrate that all of us can contribute. Every single act for nature counts. The entire spectrum of humanity has both a global responsibility and a profound opportunity.

“This year’s Champions are women who not only inspire us, but also remind us that we have in our hands the solutions, the knowledge and the technology to limit climate change and avoid ecological collapse.”

To date the UNEP Champions of the Earth has been awarded to 101 laureates, including 25 world leaders, 62 individuals and 14 organisations.

We learn more about the 2021 awardees below.