Goldman Environmental Prize Blog

Last month, staff from the Goldman Prize attended the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, or “COP16.” Hosted in Cali, Colombia, October 21 through November 1, the conference gathered various stakeholders together to advance the Global Biodiversity Framework and take stock of international progress thus far. Goldman Prize Winners Representing the Grassroots While on the…

“Average people and the average community can change the world. You can do it just based on common sense, determination, persistence and patience.” —Lois Gibbs The current environmental issues plaguing our world can seem countless and overwhelming—daily headlines underscore the effects of pollution, climate change, deforestation, and other ecological challenges. In the United States, these…

In today’s world of magical modernity, we can have anything we want the next day. A pack of socks, a Cuisinart® food processor (top rated), a new electric toothbrush—a click of a button and poof!—it appears at my doorstep. I fold up the cardboard packaging into my apartment’s blue bin where it will be recycled…

What is COP16? “COP16” refers to the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16). This year’s COP will be held in Cali, Colombia, October 21 through November 1. The conference theme is “Peace with Nature.” The goal of COP16 is for participants to develop…

I met Howard Wood a year ago in Geneva, Switzerland, for a conference hosted by IUCN. As we approached each other in our hotel’s eclectic lobby, Howard’s well-worn Patagonia sweater contrasted sharply with the vibrant pink decor. With bright blue eyes that sparkled from underneath a salt-weathered baseball cap, Howard greeted me with a warm…

It’s been just over a week since we announced the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize winners, seven ordinary people who took extraordinary actions to protect their environments and communities. Follow along as we reflect on some highlights from a whirlwind two weeks. The 2024 Goldman Prize Winner Announcement On Monday, April 29, we announced the 2024…

The San Francisco Bay Area welcomed the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize winners with open arms this April. During a busy week meeting with nonprofits and foundations, and celebrating their remarkable contributions to the global environmental movement, the Prize winners also paused to take in the natural beauty of the Bay Area. A Stop at the…

In honor of Earth Month and the 35th anniversary of the Goldman Environmental Prize, the Goldman Prize is excited to announce the launch of GROW, a public art installation in San Francisco. Designed by Bay Area artists Brian Singer and Laura Hapka, and developed in collaboration with Friends of the Urban Forest, Local Language, and…

1. The Earth Isn’t Round No, it’s not flat, but it’s not perfectly round, either. It’s actually an ellipsoid—a slightly squashed sphere. The Earth bulges at the center and flattens at the poles due to the planet’s rotational force. The Earth’s surface is further distorted by steep mountains and deep ocean trenches. 2. The Coldest…

Women are critical defenders of their communities and environments. Join us in learning about some of their stories. Rachel Carson Perhaps the mother of the American environmental movement, Rachel Carson (1907-1964) set into motion a global awakening to the dangers of chemical pesticides (she, of course, preceded the Goldman Prize). A marine biologist and nature…