São Paulo – Young environmental entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 30 can apply to a global competition held by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The “2020 Young Champions of the Earth” is accepting applications from last Monday (10). Deadline is April 10.
The prize is for young people from all across the globe 8iuwith ideas to solve the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. Seven winners will be selected from seven regions across the globe and will receive seed money to invest in their projects. The winners will also receive mentorship and the opportunity to attend high-level UN meetings to share their innovations.
“Young people are at the forefront of climate advocacy, challenging their governments, businesses and decision-makers to step up action to ensure they can have a healthy future in a sustainable world,” UNEP executive director Inger Andersen was quoted as saying in a press release.
The 2019 prize featured Brazilian biotechnology expert Anna Luisa Beserra as the winner of Latin America and Caribbean. Her project gives access to safe, drinking water through a filter that purifies the rainwater collected in tanks in the countryside.
Last year’s winners also included a Nepalese software engineer who aims to make electric public transportation a quality alternative to private vehicles, and a Lebanese industrial engineer who works with students and refugees to reuse and recycle unwanted clothes.
UNEP is the United Nations environment agency. Find out more here.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
