New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday received the United Nation’s highest environmental honour, the ‘Champions of the Earth Award’ from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a ceremony in Delhi. He is among the six winners who got the award today. “It is an honour for Indians. Indians are committed to saving the environment. Climate and calamity are directly related to culture; if climate is not the focus of culture, calamity cannot be prevented. When I say ‘Sabka Saath,’ I also include nature in it,” Modi said. In this video, Arfa Khanum Sherwani discusses the prime minister’s past record on environmental issues.<doc-sep>PM Narendra Modi was awarded with the UN's highest environmental honour, 'the Champions of the Earth' on September 26, 2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 26, 2018, was awarded the UN's highest environmental honour 'Champions of the Earth' for his leadership of the International Solar Alliance and pledge to eliminate single-use plastic in India by 2022. Cochin International Airport was also honoured with the award in the category of Entrepreneurial Vision, for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy, along with four other environmental change makers. #WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's acceptance speech after being awarded the prestigious UN Champions of the Earth Award. (26.09.2018) pic.twitter.com/ipjIUSAe0u ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 "This years' laureates are recognised for a combination of bold, innovative, and tireless efforts to tackle some of the most urgent environmental issues of our times," the UN Environment Programme said. What is the Champions of the Earth award? Champions of the Earth, the UN’s highest environmental honour, celebrates outstanding figures from the public and private sectors and from the civil society whose actions have had a transformative positive impact on the environment. When was the Champions of the Earth award launched? 1. Launched in 2005, Champions of the Earth has recognized dozens of exemplary individuals and organizations. 2. Through their extraordinary achievements, whether through political leadership, grassroots action, scientific innovation, or entrepreneurial vision, each of these champions has inspired critical action on behalf of the global environment. Where were the awards hosted? The awards were presented during the Champions of the Earth Gala in New York City. The gala was hosted by actor and environmental activist Alec Baldwin and actress and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza. It brought together a cross section of world leaders and influencers to celebrate momentum for change in defense of our one planet. Past laureates of the UN award Past laureates include: Afroz Shah, who led the world’s largest beach cleanup (2016), Rwandan President Paul Kagame (2016), former US Vice-President Al Gore (2007), Ocean Cleanup CEO Boyan Slat (2014), scientist-explorer Bertrand Piccard, and developer of Google Earth Brian McClendon (2013) Champions of the Earth recognizes laureates in the following categories Lifetime Achievement Policy Leadership Action and Inspiration Entrepreneurial Vision Science and Innovation All about the recipients Recipients of the 'Champions of the Earth' award. (Image: unenvironment.org) 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with President of France Emmanuel Macron, were recognized in the 'Policy Leadership' category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action, including Macron’s work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Modi’s unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022. The International Solar Alliance is an alliance of more than 121 countries, most of which lie between the equator and the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and hence receive very high sunshine throughout the year. 2. Cochin International Airport will take home the award for Entrepreneurial Vision, for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy. Cochin is showing the world that our ever-expanding network of global movement doesn't have to harm the environment, the UN said in a statement. Cochin International Airport is the world’s first solar-powered airport. It runs its entire operations on solar energy. 3. The lifetime achievement award was given to Joan Carling for her work as one of the world’s most prominent defenders of environmental and indigenous rights. Carling has been at the forefront of the conflict for land and the environment for more than 20 years. 4. The other recipients of the award include China’s Zhejiang’s Green Rural Revival Programme under the category 'Action and Inspiration' for the transformation of a once heavily polluted area of rivers and streams in East China's Zhejiang province. Zhejiang’s Green Rural Revival Programme is a Champion of the Earth. 97% of villages in Zhejiang have transformed their polluted waterways into clean, drinkable rivers, benefitting 30 million residents: https://t.co/6iOmV2r7tF #EarthChamps #BeatPollution pic.twitter.com/ZnKCLOwfU2 UN Environment (@UNEnvironment) September 26, 2018 5. Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods under the category 'Science and Innovation' for their revolutionary development of a popular, plant-based alternative to beef, and for their efforts to educate consumers about environmentally conscious alternatives. The Champions of the Earth Award recognizes those not afraid to chart unknown waters or be the voice of the voiceless. These people are changing our world today for a better tomorrow, said Head of UN Environment Erik Solheim. Seven environmental trailblazers will also be honoured at the event between the ages of 18 and 30, taking home the coveted Young Champions of the Earth Prize, for their ambitious project ideas to restore and protect the environment. READ| Good news! UN report shows that India has made rapid progress in increasing access to sanitation in schools READ| United Nations Awards: 7 unique UN awards you must know about Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section. To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail to education.intoday@gmail.com<doc-sep>Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the United Nations' Champions of the Earth award for the year 2018 on Wednesday. The United Nations recognised Modi with its highest environmental honour in the policy leadership category for his efforts to eliminate all single use plastic in India by 2022. PM @narendramodi has been awarded the prestigious @UN Champions of the Earth Award. President @EmmanuelMacron and Shri Modi have been awarded in the Policy Leadership category, for their efforts regarding the International Solar Alliance. https://t.co/zSNk3lS3uy PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 26, 2018 President of France, Emmanuel Macron has also been awarded in the same category for his work on the Global Pact for the Environment. "Six of the world’s most outstanding environmental changemakers will be recognized today with a Champions of the Earth Award, the UN’s highest environmental honor," a UN statement said on Wednesday. Cochin International Airport was also awarded for its leadership in use of sustainable energy in the category of entrepreneurial vision. The airport is world's first fully solar-powered airport. "Cochin is showing the world that our ever-expanding network of global movement doesn't have to harm the environment," the statement said. Modi takes up broom to clean school in Delhi, launches Swachhata Hi Seva movement | WATCH ALSO WATCH | Good news: At 2018 World Environment Day event, India to lead the way in global fight on plastic<doc-sep>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received the Champions of the Earth award from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in Delhi. The UN chief praised PM Modi, saying, "We are recognising a statesman who embodies true leadership." "In PM Narendra Modi, we have a leader who realises the issue of climate change and understands the benefits of climate action. He knows the problems and also works to solve them," Guterres added. The Award was for PM Modi's extensive efforts to 'Beat Plastic Pollution'- including an ambitious pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in the country by 2022, the UN Environment said. PM Modi was also recognised for his International Solar Alliance initiative, a global partnership that aims to scale up solar energy in 'solar-resource-rich countries' and reduce humanity's dependence on fossil fuels. Guterres also hailed India in his speech. "I thank India for setting an example and was pleased to present Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Champions of the Earth Award," the UN chief said. While accepting the award, PM Modi said, "I accept this award on behalf of millions of Indians who protect the environment each and every day... From fisherfolk who only take what they need or tribal communities who think of forests as their family. We will never be able to tackle climate change without bringing climate into our culture. And this is why India is taking so much action for our climate." PM Narendra Modi was awarded the UN honour along with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders were recognised in the Policy Leadership category "for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action". "For his leadership in the fight against plastic pollution in India, and his unwavering commitment to tackling climate change around the world, UN Environment has bestowed the United Nations' highest environmental honour upon Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi today, by awarding him the Champions of the Earth award," UN Environment said. "Prime minister Modi's unprecedented bold stance in the fight against single-use plastic sent a clear message to the world that the time for action is now," Head of UN Environment Erik Solheim said. "It is ambitious leaders like him that will propel us forward in the fight to keep our natural environment healthy, accessible and sustainable for all. For this, I am immensely inspired and grateful." The UN environment agency said that under Modi's leadership, Indian sustainable policy implementation and green grassroots initiatives have flourished, with forty million new cooking gas connections and over three hundred million LED bulbs being installed across the country. A major push towards renewable energy in recent years has propelled India to become the fifth largest producer of solar energy and the sixth largest producer of renewable energy worldwide. The Champions of the Earth Award is the United Nations' highest environmental honour, bestowed on the world's greatest change agents - individuals and organisations meriting international recognition for their environmental achievements.