For his promising leadership of the International Solar Alliance and pledge to eliminate use of plastic in India by 2022, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded with UN’s highest environmental honour, ‘Champions of the Earth’ award.
Along with PM Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron too was recognised as one of the most outstanding environmental changemakers.
“This years’ laureates are recognised for a combination of bold, innovative, and tireless efforts to tackle some of the most urgent environmental issues of our times,” the UN Environment Programme said.
The duo was jointly recognised in the Policy Leadership category for their pioneering work in 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.
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. Carling has been at the forefront of the conflict for land and the environment for more than 20 years.
