PM Modi receives 'Champions of the Earth' award from UN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the 'Champions of the Earth' award, which is UN's top environmental honor, on Wednesday. He was given the award for his International Solar Alliance initiative. The award was announced on September 26, at the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), during the 73rd session. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented the award. Congratulations, PM Modi!
Understanding why PM Modi was awarded the honor
PM Modi's work in promoting and championing the cause of solar energy and his promise to eliminate single-use plastic from India by 2022, got him the award. "Under Modi's leadership, India pledged to eliminate all single-use plastics in the country by 2022. Prime Minister Modi also supports and champions the International Solar Alliance, a global partnership to scale up solar energy," the UN statement praising PM Modi read.
How does UN select awardees?
Notably, the award is given to those leaders, private sector companies, and members of civil society, whose efforts impact the environment in a positive manner. The award was founded 13 years ago. "The awards have recognized 84 laureates - ranging from leaders of nations to grassroots activists - in the categories of policy, science, business and civil society," the UNEP website reads.
Notably, Afroz Shah has also received this award
In the past, India's Afroz Shah who led the world's largest beach clean up in 2016 was given the award. Rwandan President Paul Kagame got this award in 2015, and former US Vice-President Al Gore in 2007. Ocean Cleanup CEO Boyan Slat was awarded in 2014, developer of Google Earth Brian McClendon got this honor in 2013.
