Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 26 was awarded the United Nations’ highest environmental honour, the ‘Champions of the Earth’ awards for his “unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.” He was one among six other recipients of the coveted award which recognises world’s most outstanding changemakers.

PM Modi wins UN award

According to NDTV, the UN Environment Programme said, “This year’s laureates are recognised for a combination of bold, innovative, and tireless efforts to tackle some of the most urgent environmental issues of our times.” Moreover, Modi along with French President Emmanuel Macron was also recognised in the ‘Policy Leadership Category’ for their work in International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action.

BJP President Amit Shah tweeted,

With UN honouring PM @narendramodi with its top environmental award, its important to recollect PM Modi’s multi-faceted contribution in the field of environment conservation and climate change. His concern and commitment for the environment is unparalleled.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 27, 2018

The other winners of the 2018 Champions of the Earth Awards are indigenous rights defender Joan Carling and ‘Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods’ are jointly recognised for their development of a popular plant-based alternative to beef. Moreover, China’s Zhejiang’s Green Rural Revival Programme is awarded for Inspiration and Action, reported The Hindu. 

The UNEP said that the awards will be presented during the Champions of the Earth Gala in New York City which will be held along the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly.

For its leadership in the use of sustainable energy, Cochin International Airport was awarded the prestigious Entrepreneurial Vision award. The UNEP stated that the world’s first airport fully run on solar power is a proof of the fact that green business in good business.

Some of the past winners of the prestigious award include Afroz Shah from Mumbai who led the world’s largest beach clean-up drive, who won the Champions of the Earth award in 2016. Former US Vice-President Al Gore won the award in 2007 while Ocean Cleanup CEO Boyan Slat won in 2014.

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