There is no single path to achieving breakthroughs. Sometimes they stem from cutting-edge scientific research that spawns game-changing technologies. In other cases, a breakthrough emerges from an innovative business model, policy framework, or grassroots movement that reshapes incentives and mindsets. Breakthroughs can manifest as a revolutionary product, transformative legislation, or a profound cultural shift. They take years to happen and can be full of stops and starts—many of which may look like nothing more than failures. But ultimately and importantly, they can change the world.
In the climate space, take the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, or the documentary An Inconvenient Truth in 2006. Consider the Beyond Coal Campaign, the Paris and Kigali agreements, or Urgenda Foundation v. The State of the Netherlands. These are the kinds of efforts our awardees are developing, launching, and scaling: breakthrough-oriented work in policy, economic, and social transformation instead of incremental work centered on near-term success. Our awardees launch high-ambition, high-gain initiatives that, if wildly successful, could significantly reduce global annual greenhouse gas emissions, affect entire industries or regions of the world, and materially change the lives of tens of millions of people within ten years of launch.
ERIEL TCHEKWIE DERANGER Advance climate solutions driven by Indigenous knowledge and leadership at the global stage
ALEX DOUKAS Hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for cleanup costs and protect public health
KIMIKO HIRATA Transform the energy narrative and mainstream decarbonization in Japan, a major emitter
TERO MUSTONEN Establish new restoration hubs across the Arctic and boreal regions to mitigate climate change and rejuvenate biodiversity
JANE KLEEB Forge innovative alliances to position clean energy as a catalyst for economic growth in rural America
GITA SYAHRANI Integrate bioeconomy in Indonesia, a major emitter, to transition toward low-carbon solutions
ISABEL CAVELIER ADARVE Inspire a global culture of environmental stewardship through immersive experiences and narratives
JAMES IRUNGU MWANGI Pioneer low-emission growth strategies that unlock Africa’s vast economic potential
SANJIV GOPAL, BRIKESH SINGH, VINUTA GOPAL Catalyze ambitious climate action at the state level to boost India’s national targets
KATHRIN GUTMANN Lead movements to ensure Europe transitions fully to renewable power by 2035 and set a global standard
SARA JANE AHMED Develop transformative economic plans to drive green investments to climate-vulnerable nations
DENISE FAIRCHILD Reshape consumption patterns (Scope 3 emissions) in the US through strategic social and corporate campaigns
NICOLE RYCROFT Accelerate the commercial production of sustainable alternatives to wood-based products to keep forests standing
MOHAMED ADOW Guide Africa towards energy independence and economic resilience through high-level policy engagements
TZEPORAH BERMAN Pioneer a groundbreaking global treaty to end the proliferation of fossil fuels
SEBASTIÁN KIND Mobilize renewable energy funding into developing nations through advanced financing approaches
NGUY THI KHANH Support strategies for public and private sectors to meet Vietnam’s net zero goals
ARIEF RABIK Expand bamboo agroforestry to revitalize degraded land and uplift communities with sustainable livelihoods
TESSA KHAN Make the UK the world’s first major nation to phase out fossil fuels through strategic and progressive efforts
BRUCE NILLES Phase out gas and mainstream the electrification of new buildings across the US
YANG FUQIANG Spur the conditions for China to cap its oil consumption and achieve peak emissions
MAY MEI Revolutionize China’s food system by integrating sustainable food choices and minimizing waste at scale
JOHN HEPBURN Spearhead a global shift in the insurance industry to stop underwriting the expansion of the oil and gas industry
