IAS Officer Supriya Sahu Wins UN Champions of the Earth Award 2025

Supriya Sahu Named UN Champions of the Earth Laureate for Transformative Environmental Action

IAS officer Supriya Sahu has been recognised as a 2025 UN Champions of the Earth laureate , one of the United Nations’ highest environmental honours. Awarded in the Inspiration and Action category, the recognition was conferred at a UNEP ceremony in Nairobi , acknowledging her pioneering leadership in conservation, climate resilience and sustainable urban solutions.

Global Recognition of Scalable Environmental Solutions

The Champions of the Earth award honours individuals and institutions delivering impactful, scalable responses to global environmental challenges. UNEP highlighted Sahu’s work across plastic waste reduction, wildlife conservation, wetland restoration and climate adaptation , describing her initiatives as practical models capable of replication in other regions facing similar challenges.

Cool Roof Project: Tackling Urban Heat Stress

A flagship initiative under her leadership, Tamil Nadu’s Cool Roof Project , has drawn international attention as an effective heat-mitigation strategy. As part of the Lighthouse Project in Chennai, high-reflective cool roof coatings were applied to 200 houses , reducing indoor temperatures by 5–8°C during extreme summer conditions. UNEP termed the project a “game changer”, demonstrating how passive cooling can lower energy demand, reduce heat stress and protect low-income communities.

People-Centred Climate Leadership

In her acceptance remarks, Sahu emphasised that meaningful climate action must be community-driven . Drawing from experiences in the Nilgiris and lessons from the 2004 tsunami , she highlighted the protective role of natural ecosystems and the need for shared responsibility between governments and citizens in addressing environmental degradation.

State-Level Impact and Wider Influence

The Tamil Nadu government has credited her leadership with advances in mangrove expansion, wetland conservation, species protection and plastic control policies . The UN recognition reinforces the state’s growing reputation in sustainable governance and positions Sahu’s initiatives at the forefront of global conversations on climate-resilient urban planning .

Exam Point

• Supriya Sahu is a 2025 UN Champions of the Earth laureate.

• Awarded in the Inspiration and Action category by UNEP .

• Cool Roof Project reduced indoor temperatures by 5–8°C in Chennai.

• Part of Tamil Nadu’s Urban Heat Mitigation strategy .