TIME magazine annually recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to global efforts in addressing climate change, one of the planet’s most critical issues. This year marks the third TIME Earth Awards, and the importance of this recognition is greater than ever.
In 2024, the planet exceeded 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels, a troubling milestone that underscores the urgent need for global climate action. Despite challenges posed by rising populist movements worldwide, this year’s honorees remain dedicated to promoting sustainability and building a greener future.
Among the honorees is a leader in environmental justice, known for advocating for marginalized communities, particularly Black and rural families affected by sewage issues. This individual has collaborated with both Democrats and Republicans to achieve lasting change.
Also recognized is the Governor of Washington (2013-2025), a prominent figure in local climate action. As a co-founder of the U.S. Climate Alliance, he has united numerous states to advance a clean economy.
The former Mayor of New York and U.N. Special Envoy is being honored for his unwavering commitment to supporting innovative solutions. When President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in January, Bloomberg Philanthropies stepped in to coordinate continued funding for the nation’s climate goals.
In Ghana, a chef, the founder of Midunu—an experiential restaurant highlighting the region’s culinary heritage—and Midunu Chocolates, uses her cuisine to advocate for sustainable agriculture and showcase the power of African culinary traditions. In 2024, she was named Yale’s inaugural Global Table Fellow to emphasize the connection between sustainability, health, and culture.
Back in the U.S., a former Republican Senator from Tennessee is advocating for the recognition of climate change as a public health crisis. He serves as the global chair of The Nature Conservancy, which recently launched the Senator Bill and Tracy Frist Initiative for Planetary Health.
An actor is working to improve communication about the urgency of the climate crisis. To that end, he co-founded Climate Basecamp in 2022, an organization that brings together scientists and influencers to make discussions about climate change more accessible.