UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Award 2025
Syllabus: Environment, Climate Change, Awards (UPSC GS III, Prelims)
Source: UNEP
Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced the 2025 Young Champions of the Earth award, recognising innovative environmental solutions from young entrepreneurs in India, Kenya, and the US.
About the Award
- What it is: UNEP’s flagship youth award for entrepreneurs under 30 offering bold solutions to environmental challenges.
- Launched: 2017; relaunched in 2025 in partnership with Planet A (founded by US cleantech CEO Chris Kemper).
- Given by: UNEP, supported by philanthropic and private partners.
- Aim: Empower young innovators addressing the triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution/waste.
Eligibility
- Individuals below 30 years.
- Projects with scalable environmental impact can get recognition, funding, and mentorship.
Features for Winners
- USD 20,000 seed funding.
- Intensive training and tailored mentorship.
- Global recognition and access to Planet A pitch for further funding up to USD 1 million.
2025 Winners
- Jinali Mody (India) – Founder of Banofi Leather: Creates eco-friendly leather from banana crop waste, reducing water use, chemical pollution, and carbon emissions.
- Joseph Nguthiru (Kenya) – Founder of HyaPak: Converts invasive water hyacinth into biodegradable packaging and seedling wrappers, reducing single-use plastics.
- Noemi Florea (US) – Founder of Cycleau: Developed a compact greywater reuse system for households, turning wastewater into drinking water with low energy consumption.
Conclusion
The UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Award highlights the role of youth in innovating solutions to environmental challenges, offering funding, mentorship, and global recognition to scale impactful ideas.
