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IAS Officer Wins UN Earth Prize for Climate Action
11 Dec
Summary
- Supriya Sahu received UN Champions of the Earth award.
- Awarded for plastic reduction, wildlife, and cooling projects.
- Tamil Nadu's cool roof project cuts indoor temps by 8°C.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Supriya Sahu has been honored with the 2025 UN Champions of the Earth award, the United Nations' highest environmental accolade. This recognition in the Inspiration and Action category acknowledges her significant contributions to environmental protection in India, particularly her pioneering efforts in plastic reduction, wildlife conservation, and sustainable cooling.
Sahu's work on the Cool Roof Project in Tamil Nadu was specifically commended by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) as a critical solution for a warming world. This initiative, implemented in Chennai, successfully reduced indoor temperatures by 5 to 8 degrees Celsius in residential blocks, offering a low-cost method to combat urban heat and decrease energy consumption.
Accepting the award, Sahu stressed the crucial role of grassroots movements in tackling climate change, stating, "Climate action must become a people's movement." She drew upon her experiences witnessing environmental degradation to reinforce her commitment to protecting nature, inspiring hope for sustainable, community-driven climate solutions.
