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CEOs from the UK’s leading environmental charities have voted for their ‘Environmental Heroes’ as part of the Pulse Survey conducted by the Environmental Funders Network.
The list features a range of individuals from broadcasting, business, science and beyond who are deemed to have done the most to advance the environment.
Caroline Lucas, the Green Party’s first ever MP, tops the list for her work forcing environmental issues into mainstream politics. She’s closely followed by Sir David Attenborough, the much-loved broadcaster and naturalist.
Writer and campaigner Tony Juniper, whose latest title What’s Really Happening To Our Planet? is a must-read for anyone who cares about the environment, ranks in joint-third alongside Guardian columnist George Monbiot and Springwatch presenter Chris Packham.
Joining them on the list is River Cottage’s Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, who has brought the worlds of food and environment together through cookery shows and campaigns on the fishing industry and reducing food waste.
Alongside these naturalists and campaigners whose primary focus is the environment, the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, makes a surprising appearance. The Environmental Funders Network stresses that Carney has been at the forefront of raising awareness of the link between climate change and the economy.
Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, also appears on the list for ‘taking leaps to encourage sustainable business practices in large companies.’
1. Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton and co-leader of the Green Party
2. Sir David Attenborough, broadcaster and naturalist
3. Tony Juniper, environmentalist and sustainability campaigner
= George Monbiot, environmental activist and Guardian columnist
= Chris Packham, naturalist and presenter of Springwatch
6. James Thornton, environmental lawyer and founding CEO of ClientEarth
7. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, chef and food & environment campaigner
= Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England
9. Helen Browning, organic farmer
= Jonathon Porritt, environmentalist and writer
= Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever
12. HRH Prince William, environment and conservation campaigner
= Mark Avery, campaigner and former director of conservation at the RSPB
We were surprised not to see HRH Prince Charles on the list. Let us know your thoughts, and whether you feel anyone’s been missed off, in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to nominate your favourite eco-warriors for this year’s P.E.A. (People. Environment. Achievement.) Awards. All entries and nominations are free, and winners – in sectors ranging from the arts to finance – will be announced at a glittering green carpet ceremony later in the year.
Click here for more from the Environmental Funders Network.
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