Narendra Modi, Emmanuel Macron Receive UN’s Champions of the Earth Award

Both the leaders have been jointly recognized in the Policy Leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron has been awarded with the United Nation’s highest environmental honour for 2018 ‘Champions of the Earth’ award.

Both the leaders have been jointly recognized in the Policy Leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action, including Macron’s work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Modi’s unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.

Six of the world’s most outstanding environmental changemakers have been recognized with the Champions of the Earth Award.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a statement that, “This years’ laureates are recognized for a combination of bold, innovative and tireless efforts to tackle some of the most urgent environmental issues of our times.”

Cochin International Airport has also been honoured this year with the award for Entrepreneurial Vision, for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy.

The other winners of the 2018 Champions of the Earth Awards are Joan Carling, recognised with the lifetime achievement award for her work as one of the world’s most prominent defenders of environmental and indigenous rights.

Also, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are jointly recognised in the Science and Innovation category, for their revolutionary development of a popular, plant-based alternative to beef, and for their efforts to educate consumers about environmentally conscious alternatives.

Further, China’s Zhejiang’s Green Rural Revival Programme is awarded for Inspiration and Action for the transformation of a once heavily polluted area of rivers and streams in East China’s Zhejiang province.

Commenting on the awards, Head of UN Environment, Erik Solheim said, “The Champions of the Earth Award and Young Champions of the Earth Prize recognise those not afraid to chart unknown waters or be the voice of the voiceless. These people are changing our world today for a better tomorrow.”

The awards will be presented during the Champions of the Earth Gala in New York City, on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly.