Meet the champions of the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize​

The Goldman Environmental Prize celebrates its 35th year by recognizing seven environmental leaders who have made significant impacts in their regions.

Liz Kimbrough reports for Mongabay.


In short:

  • Seven environmental activists, including two Indigenous leaders from Africa, received the Goldman Environmental Prize for achievements in environmental conservation.
  • Among the winners, efforts ranged from stopping seismic testing in South Africa to protecting forests in India and influencing clean transportation regulations in California.
  • These activists have effectively combated threats like deforestation and pollution, promoting sustainable practices across various regions.

Key quote:

"There is no shortage of those who are doing the hard work, selflessly. These seven leaders refused to be complacent amidst adversity, or to be cowed by powerful corporations and governments."

— John Goldman, president of the Goldman Environmental Foundation.

Why this matters:

The grassroots efforts of these activists not only protect local ecosystems but also inspire global policies and movements toward environmental justice and sustainability. Read more: “We should take care of what is precious to us."

Clock approaching midnight superimposed over a world map
Credit: chughes/ BigStock Photo ID: 20162111

'Doomsday Clock' advances to 85 seconds till midnight

A science-oriented advocacy group moved its “Doomsday Clock” to 85 seconds to midnight, saying the Earth is closer than ever to destruction.
A bobblehead of President Donald Trump on the floor of the Arizona House of Representatives
Credit: Gage Skidmore/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/5427075... https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

US withdrawal from Paris Agreement comes into effect

Major emitter the US has officially left the Paris Agreement and global emissions keep rising a decade on from the deal. Yet renewables' growth shows climate action can work. Here's what's been done and what's missing.
Donald Trump speaking at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland.
Credit: Gage Skidmore/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/8566717881/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Trump’s biggest climate rollback stalls over fears it will lose in court

Trump officials have delayed finalizing the repeal of the agency’s “endangerment finding” over concerns the proposal is too weak to withstand a court challenge.
Heavy ice build up on a truck during an ice storm
Credit: Montegari Photography/BigStock Photo ID: 4268515

A winter storm fueled by global warming tests U.S. disaster response

A sprawling winter storm that left hundreds of thousands without power, grounded thousands of flights and disrupted travel across the eastern half of the U.S. could be the first real test of the second Trump administration’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Exterior of NCAR, National Center For Atmospheric Research
Photo credit: jenlo8/ BigStock Photo ID: 333253774

What Americans lose if their National Center for Atmospheric Research is dismantled

Five ways dismantling NCAR will cost the American people, and two ways to save it.
Aerial view of Marcellus Shale fracking well in Pennsylvania
Copyright: shutterrudder/BigStock Photo ID: 53059774

Despite limited interest in drilling on federal land, US Forest Service ‘streamlines’ oil and gas leasing rules

The U.S. Forest Service announced revisions to its oil and gas leasing rules today that the agency promises “modernizes and streamlines” the permitting process to drill for fossil fuels in the nation’s forests and grasslands.

US president, Donald Trump speaking and gesturing behind lectern
Credit: Gage Skidmore/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/8566717881/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Trump admin clips EPA oversight amid deregulatory blitz

POLITICO’s E&E News reviewed the steady dismantling of scientific and regulatory oversight functions happening largely under the radar.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.