UNEP gives ‘Champions of the Earth Award’ to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received ‘Champions of the Earth Award’ which is United Nations’ highest environmental honour at a special ceremony in the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra on October 3, 2018. The winners of the award were announced by the United Nations Environment Program on September 26, 2018.

“UN Environment has recognized him for his bold environmental leadership on the global stage. Under his leadership, India pledged to eliminate all single-use plastics in the country by 2022. He supports and champions the International Solar Alliance which is a global partnership to scale up solar energy.”

“The champions were recognized for their achievements in the categories including Policy Leadership, Entrepreneurial Vision, Science and Innovation, Inspiration and Action, and Lifetime Achievement.”

President of France Emmanuel Macron and PM Narendra Modi were recognized in the Policy Leadership Category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new levels of cooperation on environmental action.

“Joan Carling is recognized with the lifetime achievement award for her work as one of the world’s most prominent defenders of the environmental and indigenous rights.

Cochin International Airport also received award for Entrepreneurial Vision and for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy.

Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods were jointly recognized 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.

China’s Zhejiang’s Green Rural Revival Program 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.