Meet the 2025 Impact Makers transforming our world
· 34 min read
Climate action often feels slow — until you look at the people who are actually getting things done. Around the world, innovators, community leaders, and young visionaries are already building the solutions we need: restoring ecosystems, reinventing materials, empowering local communities, and proving that impact is possible long before policies catch up.
The Impact Maker recognition is one of the highest awards by the United Nations climate body. We are proud to celebrate the 50 Impact Makers of the year, including our CEO, Andrea Gori.
To celebrate their examples, we won't tell you their story — but we will show you their impact.
• Established a recycling facility in Bujumbura processing nearly 15 tonnes of waste streams each day, turning waste into valuable resources and reducing pollution
• Created permanent employment for 15 local staff and introduced responsible waste management practices across the community
• Converted biodegradable waste into 100% organic fertilisers through a biotechnology conversion system with zero emissions
• Worked with 2,500 smallholder farmers to improve food production and soil restoration using bio-intensive and climate-resilient farming techniques
• Enabled year-round harvests through land restoration and sustainable soil management
• Inspired behavioural change across neighbouring communities, with other cooperatives now adopting AHEZA IWACU’s circular approach
• Created the first global open call for environmental art films during COP21 in 2015, laying the foundation for a decade-long creative movement linking art and climate awareness
• Increased annual submissions from about 60 in 2015 to over 2,000 in 2025, representing artists in more than 80 countries
• Reached an audience of over 1 million through satellite broadcasts and extended access worldwide via Smart TV and streaming platforms
• Provided a recognised space for climate-engaged artists at major cultural and policy events, including COP conferences, art fairs, and museum screenings
Helped transform how environmental issues are communicated, bringing emotion, beauty, and storytelling into climate dialogue
• Mobilised local communities to adopt climate-smart agricultural techniques for waterlogged land and helped formalise Indigenous knowledge into disaster-management practices
• Trained 35 farmers, with families from nearby villages attending demonstrations and contributing to a shared co-learning environment
• Created a space to discuss local materials, refine Indigenous craft and skills, and introduce an alternative year-round livelihood for farming
• Used agricultural by-products such as rice husk to form soil beds, recycling materials that would otherwise go to waste
• Piloted soil-less agriculture techniques for floating farms using water hyacinth, despite initial resistance, the first initiative of its kind in Pakistan
• Conducted research on bamboo as an Indigenous material, documenting harvesting methods, challenges, and soil experiments for use by farmers, architects and rural development initiatives
• Integrated existing and new resources, capacities and collaborations to develop a proposal for Sindh’s wetlands
• Combined digitised resources with active field engagement grounded in ethnography, cartographic analysis, design justice and capacity development
• Established a platform for introducing new ideas and enabling farmers to test innovative practices suited to local conditions
• Built a global community of more than 600,000 users focused on sustainability action and dialogue
• Created the world’s largest expert network in sustainability, with 1,500+ thought leaders
• Curated a space where 40% of readers are senior professionals who use illuminem’s insights to inform company strategies, launch sustainability projects, and rethink their environmental impact
• Launched a SaaS platform helping impact companies identify the right partners and customers
• Brought to transparency over 1 million data points on the sustainability performance of companies
• Created Europe’s first University course on Greentech (at HEC Paris) to help empower the next generation of climate leaders
• In Bolivia, 19.4% of the population suffers from undernourishment, while one-third of all food is lost or wasted. As of August 2024, Bruno’s food bank has rescued over 1,800 tonnes of food, reaching 40,000 beneficiaries
• The organisation combines food rescue with civil engagement through volunteering and donations, alongside parallel projects such as a composting plant and a dehydration plant to ensure nothing goes to waste
• Its work has led to collaborations with the Bolivian government and its national FAO to develop a law incentivising food donations and discouraging waste
• Reached 150,000+ job seekers and connected them with over 700 climate-oriented companies
• Helped 70% women and majority BIPOC job seekers aged 18-44 access climate career opportunities
• Organised two large-scale Green Jobs Pavilions and a BIPOC Green Career Summit with 500+ attendees
• Hosted the 3rd Green Jobs Pavilion (2025) during Climate Week NYC with 1,000 registrants, 27 sessions, and 90+ speakers
• Built a grassroots, online-to-offline community inspiring thousands to see their skills as climate skills
• Pioneered conversations on salary transparency, diversity, and accountability in the climate sector
•Trained and inspired the next generation of climate professionals through storytelling, connection, and community
• Implemented more than 120 long-term sustainable development projects with partners including UNDP, UNICEF, global corporations, universities, municipalities and public institutions
• Reached over three million people across Turkey through face-to-face programmes
• Built a volunteer network of 8,000 trained individuals engaged in climate, technology and sustainability projects
• Supported 100,000 children and young people directly through climate action
• Established networks and grant programmes that help social entrepreneurs close gaps in knowledge, experience and resources, enabling them to scale their solutions
• Organised hackathons, bootcamps and accelerator programmes connecting start-ups with global brands and the international ecosystem
• Revived and restored 224 traditional water tanks across Bundelkhand, creating a potential water storage capacity of 4.26 billion litres
• Excavated 1.22 million cubic metres of silt, which has been reused by 6,468 farmers to enrich soil fertility and boost farm productivity
• Expanded cultivated area by 16.4% during Kharif and 17.4% during Rabi seasons, increasing food and livelihood security
• Enhanced irrigation coverage by 28% in Kharif and 33% in Rabi, supporting more resilient crop cycles
• Improved groundwater retention — wells that once dried up by February or March now sustain water until May
• Strengthened women’s leadership in water governance and natural resource management, making gender inclusion a cornerstone of community resilience
• Before C2S, coal heating in ger districts caused 70-80% of Ulaanbaatar’s emissions. Winter air quality was 4-5x worse than WHO guidelines, with respiratory illness widespread
• Each household installation reduces 10-15 tonnes of CO₂ annually, with potential to cut more than 3 million tonnes across Ulaanbaatar at scale
• Pilot households reported cleaner indoor air, reduced healthcare costs, and lower fuel expenses
• Digital MRV technology continuously monitors reductions, ensuring transparency and enabling households to participate in carbon markets
• Interest in replication has come from other Central Asian countries struggling with air pollution
Beyond technical outcomes, families describe transformative change: warm, smoke-free homes; children sleeping safely through the night; mothers freed from hours tending coal stoves
• Provided holistic support covering housing, meals, transport and stipends, enabling entrepreneurs to focus entirely on their projects
• Delivered over 200 hours of coaching, 72 workshops, and 40 inspiration sessions
• Reserved 60% of places for women; four of six supported start-ups are women-led
• Entrepreneurs reported increased productivity and accelerated project development
• Start-ups are already creating jobs and services benefiting local communities
• 10,000 people reached since 2020 through inclusive climate finance in Rufunsa District
• Biogas adoption per household saves 2,400 kg of wood and prevents 4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year
• Deforestation reduced by replacing charcoal and firewood with clean biogas energy
• Soil health improved through the use of bio-slurry as fertiliser, reducing chemical use and saving households around $300 annually
• Food security strengthened via access to irrigation systems, climate-smart livestock, and diversified farming practices
• Women empowered by removing the burden of firewood collection, opening up time for education and economic activity
• Financial inclusion expanded with non-collateral lending and group-guaranteed loans, helping farmers build financial histories
• Youth employment created by training 2,000 young people in biogas construction and maintenance
• Low loan default rate of <1% is proving the resilience and reliability of rural farmers when given fair access to finance
• Replicable model emerging for climate justice and inclusive finance across Zambia and Southern Africa
• In 2023, 2,000 people from over 40 countries participated in the Pavilion, and 10% made a commitment for action
• In 2024, activations with refugee communities in Uganda and Kenya raised the profile of solar-powered electric cookers. 41 people from 11 countries, including potential investors and policy makers, joined the event. Over 12 refugees were trained to share their stories, and this approach was repeated at COP29
• At COP29, the Faith Pavilion, Race to Zero, New Women Connectors, British Standards and other engaged through the Pavilion, with training on resilience and the direct input of global communities reflected in on-site presentations
• Refugee communities have become ‘hosts’ of conversations, training in technology use and passing skills on to others
• Investors who engaged with the Pavilion reported being more likely to invest when they had met the “end user”
• The Pavilion has inspired communities with physical space at COP to use the platform so voices unable to travel can still be heard
• Before the initiative, Dzilam State Reserve in Yucatán faced poaching, illegal deforestation, and outdated monitoring, with little data on umbrella species like the jaguar
• Since Tech4Nature Mexico began, AI tools have been used to spot 146 species in real time, including 40 that are endangered, and a customised system for jaguars has made it possible to track individual animals more accurately
• Models and methods are publicly shared on GitHub, making the tools replicable for other conservation efforts
• Partnerships with Pronatura Yucatán, the French Development Agency and others have advanced a biocorridor strategy. Collaborations with SINAC (Costa Rica), Panthera, and ICMBio (Brazil) are strengthening the understanding of ecological connectivity across the region
• Through the initiative NaturaTech, the team has launched a Jaguar Innovation Biocorridor Regional Alliance to explore stronger data infrastructure and innovation pathways for the region
• The project has been awarded as a ‘global best practice’ by IUCN and other international bodies such as the Paris Peace Forum
• 3 public schools in La Paz now have Smart Gardens with hydroponics
• Over 450 students and 300 children are actively growing food in urban gardens
• Around 1,500 vegetables are produced each year using sustainable techniques
• More children are now aware of ecosystems and how to protect them
• Around 150 children are sensitised each year on conservation and forest protection in rural areas
• Restoration efforts have begun in fire-hit areas, led by local communities
• School-based environmental programmes have taken root in multiple regions
• Over 1 million trained through Youth Education & Entrepreneurship since 2009
• 13,100 participants supported through 100 Chances-100 Emplois since 2004
• 81,300 people reached through Ticket for Change
• 40 companies engaged in the Collectif pour une Économie plus Inclusive, representing 1.5 million employees
• With Rafael’s support, more companies in the region now treat compliance as a core part of how they operate. They take early steps to identify and fix potential issues, using tailored legal guidance and practical tools. This shift has not only improved how they meet legal standards but also strengthened their role in protecting local ecosystems and communities
• Over 50,000 young people trained in agroecology, agroforestry and climate-smart techniques
• Crop yields increased, improving food security and reducing climate risk
• Farmers’ incomes rose by an average of 40%, supporting better living conditions
• More than 1,000 green jobs created through over 30 youth-led agro-enterprises
• 10,000+ hectares of forest protected and 2,000+ hectares of degraded land restored
• Youth migration in certain areas reduced as farming became a respected livelihood
• A peer-led training model expanded knowledge-sharing within communities
• Youth perspectives began shaping national policies on climate and agriculture
• 240 toilets were built across 42 schools with gender-sensitive designs
• Water tanks and sewage systems were installed to provide safe and reliable services
• 11,699 students and 454 staff directly benefited from improved infrastructure
• 35,082 community members were reached through hygiene education
• 90 per cent of students now demonstrate better hygiene habits
• Absenteeism and dropout rates among girls have declined
• More than 630 women and youth trained in modern waste management and climate education
• 250+ plastic items upcycled through community reuse programmes
• 22 youth volunteers leading outreach and awareness sessions
• Students engaged in learning about recycling, climate change, and health risks
• Two participants returned as peer trainers, strengthening long-term capacity
• Hundreds of residents reached through clean-up days and school sessions
• Planting 35,000 trees helped offset hundreds of tonnes of carbon emissions, reduced soil erosion, improved water retention, and helped biodiversity
• Women’s cooperatives, such as the Aboughlou Cooperative, are leading tree planting efforts, nursery management, and local education
• Over 500 young people are now actively engaged in environmental programmes, learning about sustainable agriculture and stewardship
• CLGI has engaged and trained over 32,000 current and future law and policy leaders in more than 180 countries through its online courses and climate law capacity registry, helping to close the global expertise gap
• Its annual Climate Law and Governance Day has brought legal voices into the centre of COP negotiations
• New legal frameworks and innovations are helping countries deliver on the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals
• Initiatives like Voices of Future Generations and Democratising Education for Global Sustainability and Justice have expanded rights-based education and inclusion in climate law and governance
• A global network of universities, international organisations, NGOs, law firms and governments now collaborates on justice-driven climate law and governance
• KESK’s solar PV solutions have helped over 100 businesses transition from diesel generators to solar energy, drastically reducing operational energy costs and increasing efficiency.
• KESK’s solar installations now generate over 3000 kWp annually, removing approximately 4000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, equivalent to planting 150,000 mature trees every year
• Businesses using KESK’s solar PV systems have reported substantial cost savings, with solar energy costing between $0.017 and $0.05/KWh, compared to diesel’s $0.45/KWh
• SEKEM and the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA) have transformed over 47,000 acres into biodynamic farmland, working directly with more than 13,000 farmers. As well as improving agricultural productivity, it’s also raised the quality of life for many families, combining sustainable farming with support for education, healthcare, and social development to help communities thrive
• Through the Economy of Love (EoL) initiative, EBDA has created new income opportunities for farmers by recognising their work in ecosystem conservation. The program enables farmers to earn through carbon credits, while also supporting tree-planting projects, composting, and renewable energy adoption
• EBDA provides extensive training to help farmers transition to organic and biodynamic practices, promoting healthier soil and ecosystems. Farmers certified under EoL gain fair trade status and new market opportunities, opening doors to local and international sales
• Inspired by the success in Egypt, EoL has become a model for sustainable agriculture in other regions, with pilot programs in countries like India and growing interest worldwide in its potential to benefit both the economy and the environment
• EBDA’s work extends beyond Egypt’s borders, actively shaping international climate policy. By participating in COP27 and COP28, they’ve played a role in global discussions on climate finance, sustainability standards, and regenerative agriculture, bringing a focus on sustainable farming to the international stage
• Revived soil fertility and biodiversity through agroforestry and traditional crop rotation
• Increased water flow in previously dry springs, improving farming conditions and cooling the local environment
• Reintroduced native animals, including tapirs, foxes, and peccaries
• Revitalised Terena agroecological practices through seed exchanges and intergenerational workshops
• Established the Casa de Cura e Canto, a centre for traditional healing and spirituality to protect Terena medicine and shamanic practices
• Trained young people in agroforestry, land management, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience
• Dr. Agro provides 5000+ farmers with detailed planting plans, covering every stage from soil preparation to harvesting. This includes guidance on soil preparation, seed selection, and the timing of fertilisers and agrochemical applications
• The platform calculates costs for seeds, agrochemicals, and fertilisers, providing farmers with an estimate of expected earnings based on productivity and sales
• Through AI-driven insights, Dr. Agro alerts farmers about optimal times for spraying and fertilising, helping them avoid input wastage. Weather data, humidity levels, and wind speeds are analysed to determine the best conditions for these activities, supporting better planning and resource management
• Under Angela Chaudhuri’s leadership, PATCH has been tested in five cities, successfully detecting health risks early
• The platform has facilitated collaboration between public health professionals, government agencies, and healthcare providers, enabling centralised data sharing and customizable alerts
• Its colour-blind-friendly, open-access dashboards have made complex health data more accessible, particularly for marginalised communities
• PATCH has also identified previously overlooked environmental health risks, such as the condition of city lakes and open sewer networks, leading to targeted interventions
• Early warnings generated by the platform have improved resource allocation, reducing costs and increasing efficiency compared to traditional health testing methods
• PATCH’s work has also helped communities adopt a culture of regular health check-ups and early interventions
• Over 100,000 individuals across 10 communities have received essential medical care through 24 targeted health outreaches, with 70% of beneficiaries being women
• The project has trained 50 local health workers in climate-resilient practices, ensuring that healthcare delivery is sustainable and adaptable to the specific needs posed by climate-related disasters
• Through partnerships with organisations like Hikma Health and the UNDP, Parker’s Resilient Health has integrated advanced electronic health records, improving patient care and operational efficiency
• The project is expanding to reach five additional communities and aims to improve health outcomes for 50,000 individuals within the next year
• Parker’s Resilient Health has earned 13 awards, recognising both its innovation and the effectiveness of its approach, transforming healthcare access and resilience in vulnerable communities
• ROOH has raised awareness of over a billion vulnerable people in the global South, whose migration to cities is often driven by extreme weather and exclusionary legal systems
• Learning labs have been established locally, enabling communities to assess their homes; resilience and develop solutions, shared across 100 labs in 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and MENA, focusing on low-carbon housing suited for climate resilience
• In 2023, 25 learning labs in 10 Indian cities piloted community-led resilience assessments, with women’s collectives and young professionals developing alternate solutions
• In 2024, the learning lab model expanded to Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, and six Latin American countries
• Local partnerships with contractors, material providers, and financing institutions allow households to improve their homes incrementally, with support from sustainable financing systems
• Academic institutions now participate in learning labs, integrating this knowledge into curricula and expanding it through networks nationally and globally
• The ROOH campaign has created partnerships between local communities, especially women, and professionals, encouraging community ownership and sustainable housing solutions
• Community-driven labs have partnered with local stakeholders, including material providers, contractors, and insurers, to bring this collaborative approach into future urban development practices
• Annual showcases, including at COP, promote ROOH’s model as a solution that centres on vulnerable communities, shifting from top-down approaches to inclusive, locally-led resilience building
• Through its Climate and Advocacy division, JLA creates and collaborates on advocacy campaigns, hosting policy and sector-specific roundtables that engage stakeholders and increase awareness of green economy opportunities
• As the host of the “Green Jobs Africa” show, Sellah plays a vital role in public education and advocacy, showcasing career paths and opportunities in the sustainable economy
• JLA supports Climate Entrepreneurship Development through its GreenLabs initiative, an incubator aimed at boosting the pipeline of scalable green ventures in food systems, energy systems, and water and waste management across Africa
• The organisation also runs Climate Intrapreneurship Development Programs in partnership with county governments, engaging youth in grassroots projects across aquaculture, livestock, waste management, tree nurseries, biochar production, and apiary management
• The Africa Climate Ambassadors Programme (ACAP), in collaboration with partners like The Africa Leadership Institute (AFLI), Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A), and The Africa Center, seeks to amplify the diversity and reach of voices championing Africa’s climate opportunity narrative
• Won a landmark legal case against the 2021 Reform to the Electricity Industry Law, ensuring fair competition for renewable energy and halting fossil fuel expansion
• Led Mexico’s first youth climate lawsuit, mobilising over 200 young people and 30 organisations under the #NoQuemenNuestroFuturo campaign
• Secured legal recognition from Mexican authorities for the community of El Bosque, Tabasco, as climate-displaced persons. This community stands as the first to be officially recognised as climate-displaced in Mexico. This case is emblematic for its profound intersection between human rights and the climate crisis, setting a critical precedent for addressing climate-induced displacement within a legal and rights-based framework
• Won a lawsuit in favour of communities fighting the climate crisis by preserving their territory against the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. Establishing new implementation standards for consultations under the Escazú Agreement
• Created the Hackatón por Nuestro Futuro, engaging 600 applicants and selecting 40 "Hackers" to develop policy proposals that earned a meeting commitment from Mexico’s president-elect
• Launched Mexico’s first climate justice law course for lawyers in universities, training 200 law students across three universities, with national expansion planned
• Founded the Mexican Methane Emissions Observatory, promoting accountability and transparency in methane emissions, with over 5,800 people trained through advocacy programs
• With BATx’s approach, the situation has changed significantly. The company developed a patent-pending diagnostic methodology that identifies the true state of used EV batteries, enabling repair, refurbishment, and repurposing. As a result, BATx has extended the life of these batteries, giving them a second life in energy storage systems for renewable energy projects and backup power. This reduces electronic waste, limits the need for new materials, and lowers the overall environmental footprint of energy storage and mobility systems
• BATx has made energy more accessible and cost-effective by providing affordable energy storage solutions for renewable energy sources such as solar power. The company has also created local jobs for youth and developed a circular economy model that did not previously exist in the region
• Besides impacting industries like electric mobility, PV generation, and power backup, BATx has also undertaken rural electrification projects. These efforts integrate the environmental benefits of a battery circular economy with social advantages, bringing sustainable and affordable energy to remote communities, which helps enhance access to food security, education, connectivity, and healthcare
• Key achievements: Energy access for over 200 people in remote rural areas; Over 1,000 light mobility batteries repaired; Avoided the generation of 10.2 tonnes of hazardous waste; Saved 80 MWh of energy consumption; Prevented 246.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions through circular economy practices
• Wild Clouds has achieved plastic-free clothing production, a significant step as nearly 69% of global clothing contains plastic. All trims, such as Coroza buttons and natural rubber elastics, are compostable and ethically sourced
• The brand has adopted a small-batch production model, avoiding waste by reusing fabric offcuts to make accessories and focusing on longevity, including a repair service to extend product life
• Wild Clouds continues to reduce its environmental impact by using compostable packaging and working with a third-party warehouse in Kent that supports sustainable storage and fulfilment
• The podcast attracts up to 500 monthly listeners from 110 countries, including Germany, the USA, India, and the UK
• It engages a wide range of listeners, particularly women (71.6%), men (21.9%), and non-binary individuals (6.5%) aged between 18 and 70
• Listeners have shared how the podcast has expanded their understanding of the gender-climate link. For example, one listener, Sabrina, noted how the content enriched her research and work as a gender specialist and sustainability consultant
• Through the introduction of the PAYG LI-battery leasing models, SOLshare has successfully transitioned 200 rickshaws from lead-acid to smart lithium-ion batteries. These batteries last longer, charge faster, and reduce the environmental impact of transportation
• Rickshaw drivers have reported up to a 25% increase in their earnings, attributed to lower energy cost and zero maintenance from longer-lasting batteries
• Garage owners have experienced a 40% reduction in energy costs, allowing them to run their businesses more sustainably
• SOLshare has installed Bangladesh’s first solar photo-voltaic-powered rickshaw charging station, which provides greener and cheaper charging solutions for rickshaws
• With over five million electric three-wheelers across Bangladesh, SOLshare’s model has the potential to significantly reduce the city’s reliance on polluting energy sources. The company is now working with sector stakeholders including the Bangladesh government, financial institutions (MFIs and commercial banks), battery manufacturers and charging garages to scale up these initiatives
• The current fleet of vehicles across Bangladesh has the potential to buffer 30% of the country’s peak grid load (5 million EVs feeding 1 kW per vehicle = 5 GW) through virtual power plants. The vehicles can feed back when sitting idle, coming back to the garage in the evening when demand is highest, and instead charge during super off peak hours (after midnight)
• The Coral Vita team has planted over 20,000 corals across multiple reefs, successfully restoring sections of damaged reefs and working to expand operations beyond the Bahamas, including new partnerships in the Middle East
• Through innovative coral production techniques, Coral Vita’s farms grow corals with scalable technologies so that they can make large-scale restoration viable and cost-effective
• The team has launched an operational model that doubles Coral Vita’s impact, supported by a clear strategic plan to increase restored corals, advance conservation finance opportunities, and support the local communities where they work
• The adoption of the VGS by over 50 farmers has led to a 35% reduction in soil erosion
• Farmers using VGS report a 25% improvement in water retention, with soils holding moisture longer, especially during droughts. This has led to improved crop resilience, enabling farms to produce healthy yields even in drier seasons, thereby reducing the risk of crop failure due to water scarcity
• Through the VTEC Academy, over 60 farmers have gained hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture. 85% have integrated these practices into their operations, promoting a culture of sustainability within rural communities
• Farmers have experienced a 20-30% increase in crop yields, which has bolstered local food security and increased farmers’ income stability. With improved productivity, farmers are now able to invest back into their farms, strengthening long-term resilience and reducing the need for seasonal migration or farm abandonment
• The initiative has engaged young farmers, women, and other marginalised groups, offering them valuable agricultural training and economic opportunities. Women and youth have gained both knowledge and financial independence, contributing to gender equity and the revitalisation of farming communities
• Farmers and community members are now more conscious of the importance of environmental conservation. The initiative has cultivated a collective sense of responsibility, with farmers working together to protect their shared land and resources. This unity has empowered rural communities to take an active role in safeguarding their natural environment, with plans to build community nurseries and nurseries that promote native plant species
• The success of Vetiver Smart Farms in Saint Lucia has laid the groundwork for expansion into other Caribbean islands
• Founded Rainergy at 14, a project that generates electricity from rainwater, aimed at providing sustainable energy solutions for rural and low-income regions
• Featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 and the BBC 100 Women list
• Won the Presidential Youth Award in 2018 and other prestigious accolades such as the TRT World Citizen Youth Award in 2019, Global Good Fund Fellowship in 2020, and Green Award in 2021
• Spoke at over 35 national and international conferences, summits, and meetings, including Forbes Under 30 Asia summit, COP26, Global Entrepreneurship Summit, SME Beyond Borders 10X conference, and at the 2019 Youth Co:Lab Summit, co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation, in Vietnam
• Developed a generator that produces 120W of power at a rotor speed of 180 cycles per minute, and successfully implemented and tested it at a house in Dashdatuk village, where the family continues to use it to light the yard
• Following Mlinda's intervention, 98% of households now have access to reliable mini-grid electricity, reducing kerosene use by 89%
• Household incomes have increased, with 49% reporting income growth and 69% using electricity for productive activities like irrigation
• Improved environmental outcomes with significant CO₂ reduction, and health benefits as 84% of households report feeling safer and experiencing fewer injuries
• In 2022, the African Food & Climate Justice Caravan gathered over 1,000 organisations from 28 countries to push for agroecological transformation and climate justice. The 2023 Citizen’s Climate Caravan expanded this momentum, mobilising thousands of Africans across 22 countries to advocate for an end to fossil fuels and a fair energy transition. The Caravan’s regional and international actions have sparked dialogue among African leaders, youth, and communities about the urgent need for equitable climate solutions
• The Caravan helped elevate African voices at COP27 and COP28, engaging in bilateral discussions, side events, and strategic networking to influence global policy. At COP28, a side event at the Africa Pavilion organised in collaboration with UNECA brought Caravan leaders together with African Union officials to present key recommendations gathered during national caravans
• The International Climate Justice Masterclass in Togo equipped African civil society youth leaders from 12 countries with advocacy tools ahead of COP28, ensuring that they could actively participate in international climate discussions. The Caravan movement has strengthened community-based resilience efforts at local, national, and regional scales
• Building on these successes, Resilient40 and partners like Jeunes Volontaires pour l’Environnement (JVE) are organising the 2024 Africa Citizen’s Climate Caravan, under the theme “Catalyzing Adequate, Sustainable, and Fair Climate Finance for a Just Energy and Environmental Transition in Africa through Citizen’s Mobilization and Policy Influence”. This initiative is poised to be one of the largest citizen mobilisations ever, rallying Africans to demand equitable climate finance and sustainable energy solutions
• Indigenous organisations in the Amazon basin have long faced significant challenges in accessing direct funding for self-determined economic and environmental initiatives. Despite their effectiveness in managing and conserving ecosystems, less than 1% of international climate aid is allocated to Indigenous land tenure and forest management efforts. This limited support constrains the ability of Indigenous groups to expand their conservation work, even as they advocate for the protection of 80% of the Amazon by 2025
• The launch of the Amazon for Life Fund marks a step towards addressing this funding gap. With $10 million in resources and a direct governance model developed in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the fund provides financial and technical support directly to Indigenous organisations. While this initiative is transformative in how it empowers Indigenous-led efforts, ongoing challenges persist in securing the scale of resources needed to meet ambitious conservation goals across the Amazon Basin
• The project trained 500 participants in kitchen waste composting, helping divert organic waste from landfills. The organic waste is now turned into fertiliser, contributing to the creation of a circular economy within the community
• Rooftop farming has been embraced by the community, with participants using the compost they generate to grow food on their rooftops, converting previously unused spaces into green areas and helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect
• The introduction of rooftop farming has also supported urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and birds, which were previously absent in many parts of the community
• With the distribution of 300 grafted fruit plants, households are now able to grow a wider variety of crops and fruits, even in the limited space of urban rooftops
• The project cultivated a sense of ownership among 500 households, encouraging them to take an active role in sustainability and environmental conservation
• Helped establish a team of 120 Indigenous monitors who regularly patrol and protect the 8.5 million-hectare territory
• Supported the re-establishment of the region’s 400-kilometre southern boundary
• Contributed to near-total vaccination against COVID-19 in the territory, with fewer than five deaths among the 6,000 Indigenous residents
• Played a key role in two successful legal cases before Brazil’s Supreme Court, reinforcing legal protections for the Javari Valley
• Advanced the use of drones, georeferencing and other tools to support Indigenous-led environmental protection
• Helped secure partnerships with NGOs and international organisations to fund and train the surveillance team
• Promoted regular dialogue and inclusive decision-making across the region’s Indigenous groups
• Supported efforts to strengthen legal and political protections in the face of external pressures
• YieldMax has empowered over 20,000 farmers to optimise fertilisers and pesticide use, increasing crop yields by 30% and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• eProcure has connected farmers directly with buyers, reducing post-harvest losses by 20% and increasing annual income by 40%
• StorageX provides safe storage solutions and access to finance, enhancing food security and farmer resilience
• In collaboration with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), NCE installed bird diverters along 20km of high-risk powerlines in Sinai. This initiative, supported by BirdLife International, has made powerlines more visible to birds and is expected to significantly reduce bird collisions, particularly during migration periods
• NCE conducted Egypt’s largest national powerline survey, covering approximately 300km, identifying high-risk areas for bird collisions. This data has been instrumental in guiding targeted conservation efforts
• NCE successfully conducted a comprehensive field survey in collaboration with partners such as AMEA Power and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). As a result, 13 Uromastyx aegyptia lizards were captured, cared for, and released back into their natural habitat
• NCE worked with local communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of these conservation efforts, engaging them in protecting local species and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity
• Engaged over 1,700 students and 600 teachers nationwide
• Reached participants across 17 provinces in Argentina
• Hosted workshops attended by more than 350 individuals
• Culminated in three finalist teams, with the winning team earning an all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend the 2024 Local Climate Youth Conference (LCOY)
• Inspired projects such as sustainable urban mobility solutions in La Pampa province, reducing CO2 emissions and optimising transportation routes
• 200 students from 20 schools, 40% of whom are girls, have been sensitised on climate change, sustainable development, and eco-friendly practices, becoming ambassadors for climate action in their communities
• 200 trees have been planted across 20 schools, contributing to reforestation efforts and improving the local environment
• Donation of recycled furniture has reduced waste, promoted recycling, and improved school facilities
• Environmental clubs have been created within the schools, ensuring ongoing student participation in climate action projects and nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship
• The project has sparked discussions with policymakers about the integration of environmental education into Mali’s national school curriculum
• Expanding access to heat adaptation resources, such as home air conditioning and insulation retrofits, and installing shade and water structures in public spaces. The Tribe is also working to increase tree canopy coverage to reduce temperatures in urban areas
• Cooling centres and resilience hubs are being developed to provide resources and support during extreme heat events and other climate-related emergencies. These hubs will also help reduce carbon pollution
• The Tribe’s partnership with UCLA’s Los Angeles Regional Collaborative (LARC), Rising Communities, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is helping to tackle extreme heat risks. From 2024 to 2026, the LARC-HEAT initiative will create a network of trusted messengers to share heat safety resources with vulnerable communities. The Tribe will hire eight local community members to reach 9,000 people through outreach and community meetings, creating a model that can be scaled and replicated
• With a grant from the USDA’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Tataviam Land Conservancy is planting 750 trees in disadvantaged communities to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, improve air quality, and restore local ecosystems
• The Tribe has also established the Tribal Conservation Corps, an NGO that employs youth in nature-based solutions, such as tree planting, which addresses environmental challenges while providing job opportunities to young people
• 1,600 people now live in safer, upgraded homes
• 170 individuals, including local builders, engineers and students, have been trained to replicate the project’s success
• 63 jobs were created through the programme
• 8 homes were retrofitted and expanded with second-storey safe spaces and improved infrastructure
NoorNation, under Ragy’s leadership, has transformed rural communities by deploying LifeBox, a decentralised solution that:
• Generates up to 200kWp of clean energy and produces 600 cubic metres of desalinated water per day
• Has mitigated 1,650 tonnes of CO2 emissions while preserving 73% of the land traditionally required for solar energy systems, eliminating the need for extensive concrete foundations
• Benefits over 1,200 people in rural farming areas
• Has desalinated 5.5 million litres of brackish water
• Has saved farmers $215,000 in energy costs and reduced reliance on harmful diesel generators
• Installed 1,250 kWp of solar capacity, producing 3 GWh of clean energy
VOX Capital funds have backed over 65 companies throughout the years, all dedicated to social and environmental causes including:
• Copel Ventures I, with R$150 million seed stage Venture Capital fund dedicated to energy transition, backing tech companies who are advancing the adoption of renewables and energy efficiency in Brazil such as Nextron (Solar DG) and Move (EV charging management)
• Tech for Good Growth I, with R$190 million early stage Venture Capital cross-sector fund with companies such as Octa (auto industry circularity), Seedz (agtech focused on improving farm management practices and Nude (foodtech focused on alternative proteins)
• BB ESG Impact I, with R$80 million seed stage Venture Capial fund dedicated to financial inclusion, low carbon agriculture and government efficiency, with companies such as Traive (unlocking credit to farmers) and Genica (replacing chemicals with bio inputs)
• By converting poultry waste into biogas and biofertilizers, farmers can reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers and unsustainable energy sources
• The biogas produced from waste is used to power farm operations, cutting energy costs by up to 40%
• Biofertilizers have enhanced soil quality, resulting in healthier crops and approximately 20% higher yields
• The project aims to divert over 100 tonnes of waste from landfills by 2025, preventing methane emissions and other pollutants from entering the atmosphere and supporting Mozambique’s climate objectives
• Since the GGWG’s implementation, 3,000 hectares of mangroves have been established, providing climate resilience while generating substantial employment. The full 20,000-hectare bio-shield will directly benefit 130,177 people by shielding them from climate-related events, providing a stable income source, and reducing economic vulnerability
• Neal worked with seminomadic tribes in Makkah for eight years, prototyping methods to reverse desertification and restore Indigenous silvopasture economies. Seven years later, satellite data shows that the project’s demonstration area is getting greener every year, even without maintenance. It has successfully mitigated flash floods, restored groundwater, fostered biodiversity, transformed the desert into a dryland savannah, and established a foundation for regenerative grazing
• Neal has helped develop a circular, regenerative aquaculture system integrated with mangrove agroecology, with the aim of disrupting conventional aquaculture systems. Based on his team’s experience at the Greening Eritrea Project, this is a system that facilitates blue ecosystem restoration while creating regenerative coastal economies. This system, tested at the Greening Eritrea Project, saw a 2°C drop in local temperature, a 1000% increase in bird biodiversity, and the creation of 400 local jobs
• The Al Baydha Project has reversed desertification on a small scale, restored groundwater, mitigated flash floods, improved biodiversity, and created a template for the reforestation of the Hijaz and other areas in the MENA region
• The RSA system has demonstrated how coastal aquaculture can be a vector for restoration, rather than a cause of ecosystem degradation
• The RSA project created hundreds of jobs in Eritrea and offers a model for famine-proofing drought-prone coastal areas through the integration of halophytic crops
• Recycled over 100 tonnes of cables using 100 per cent eco-friendly methods in just one year
• Reduced the need for mining approximately 80 tonnes of new copper, supporting resource conservation
• Transitioned more than 30 families to secure, formal employment in the recycling sector
• Significantly improved health conditions for collectors by eliminating exposure to harmful chemicals
• Reduced environmental pollution, benefiting local ecosystems and the broader community
• Achieved a revenue of €250,000 in 2023, demonstrating the financial viability of sustainable practices
• Clime Capital’s SEACEF I fund, launched in the early days of the Covid pandemic, recognised the urgency of overcoming barriers to low-carbon investment in Southeast Asia, even amid global uncertainty. To date, SEACEF has made seventeen early-stage investments across the region, including six in Vietnam, advancing projects in solar, wind, energy efficiency, and electric mobility
• Utilising a blended finance model and its Technical Assistance Facility (TAF), Clime Capital has pioneered financing approaches that support clean energy innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises. These investments have established a foundation for scaling renewable energy solutions, building industry commitment, and encouraging gender-smart investment within Southeast Asia’s cleantech sector
• Through partnerships with initiatives like the Climate Leader Network and She Wins Climate Network, Clime Capital also champions women’s leadership in the green transition, creating a framework for gender-inclusive financing that elevates women and diverse leaders in Vietnam’s climate action landscape. Supported by leading international foundations, Clime Capital has cultivated climate and gender-focused networks, co-investment platforms, and training programs that help sharpen its investment strategy and influence sustainable development across Southeast Asia
• Reducing CO₂ emissions by 37% per bottle through efficiency improvements across the entire supply chain, from vineyard to bottle recycling
• Achieving 55% energy self-consumption at the main winery in Penedès through renewable energy investments, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels
• Producing lightweight bottles, with over 95% of 75cl bottles now weighing less than 420 grams, which minimises resource use and transportation emissions
• Launching a CO₂ capture and reuse project in 2021 to harness CO₂ from fermentation; although biogenic, this CO₂ is now captured and repurposed to prevent wine oxidation, replacing previously purchased industrial CO₂
• As Executive Director of the California Strategic Growth Council, Lynn launched the Connecting Communities Initiative, which coordinates partners nationally to identify barriers and solutions to meet the goals of the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative. This initiative focuses on: Piloting programmatic models for achieving climate goals through community-led programming; Providing technical assistance to underserved communities to access US federal resources; Leading policy initiatives to address systemic challenges, such as reimbursable grant structures; Bringing private sector capital partners to the table to help finance gaps in community-oriented climate finance
• In her current role at Lendistry, Lynn ensures small and mid-sized businesses and non-profit organisations have access to capital to participate in the clean energy and climate economy. “Access to capital is one of the most significant barriers faced by underserved and frontline communities, and Lendistry is laser-focused on solving this larger structural challenge,” says Lynn
• Lynn played a key role in organising the Catalyst Conference, bringing together a wide array of stakeholders – including community members, federal partners, and private sector participants – to tackle the barriers within the climate finance ecosystem
• Reforested more than 7,000 specimens of plant species, such as pines, oaks, cedars, tejocotes, peaches, avocados, sabilas, magueyes, loquats, and tepozanes
• Removed more than 22 tonnes of garbage
• Organised 101 volunteer days involving the population in restoration and conservation efforts
• Installed four water tanks, a rainwater harvesting system, an irrigation system with treated water, and built a dry toilet
• Created more than 10 firebreaks to prevent forest fires
• Implemented the Miyawaki Method, a Japanese reforestation method that replicates the growth of a natural forest by planting a diverse range of species in a small space
These individuals are leading the charge in tackling global challenges — from waste management to ecosystem restoration and clean energy innovation. Their work proves that climate action is happening now, and it’s diverse, localised, and impactful.
The Impact Makers campaign is a chance to learn from these trailblazers, showcasing the power of innovation, community, and collaboration in driving real change. Let’s continue to amplify their efforts and accelerate progress toward a sustainable future.
A huge thank you to the United Nations High Level Climate Champions for awarding this recognition, and of course, to all the Impact Makers — your work is lighting the way to a better world.
illuminem briefings
Climate Change · Environmental Sustainability
illuminem briefings
Public Governance · Climate Change
illuminem briefings
Climate Change · Effects
The Guardian
Environmental Rights · Climate Change
Euronews
Climate Change · Environmental Sustainability
Associated Press
Climate Change · Environmental Sustainability