Climate Leadership Awards
2026 nominations are now open! Nominate here
Launched in 2024, the Climate Leadership Awards honor individuals, businesses, organizations, and youth making exceptional contributions to Hawai‘i’s clean energy and climate-resilient future. The inaugural awards were celebrated at Washington Place, recognizing standout leaders for their innovation, leadership, and measurable impact in areas including decarbonization, resilience, and climate equity. Presented by Climate Hawai‘i, an initiative of the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative, the awards span five categories and are selected by a panel of experts in climate science, sustainability, and leadership. The program aims to inspire action, showcase best practices, and spotlight those driving meaningful change across the islands.
About The Awards
The nomination process is open to the public, encouraging community members to highlight climate leaders making a difference. Descriptions of the five award categories — Individual Climate Hero, Business Climate Champion, Non-Profit or Government Climate Advocate, Youth Climate Leader, and Innovative Climate Solution — can be found below this section. Each category reflects a unique path to climate impact, from grassroots advocacy to groundbreaking technology.
2026 NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! PLEASE SUBMIT A NOMINATION VIA THIS FORM.
Individuals and organizations nominated in previous years are eligible for renomination but must be nominated again to be considered.
View the highlights from previous awards, including a full list of winners and event photos:
2025 Climate Leadership Awards (at Ho‘okupu Center)
2024 Climate Leadership Awards (at Washington Place)
Individual Climate Hero
Recognizing an individual who has shown extraordinary dedication to climate action through advocacy, action, education, or innovative practices.
Business Climate Champion
Honoring a business that has implemented exceptional sustainable practices, reduced its carbon emissions, advocated for systemic change within or outside its business sector, or developed aggressive plans to accelerate achievement of Hawai‘i’s climate goals.
Non-Profit/Gov. Climate Advocate
Celebrating a non-profit organization or a county or state government agency that has made a significant impact on decarbonization, climate or energy equity, resilience efforts, or climate education or community engagement.
Youth Climate Leader
Recognizing a young person (under 25) who has demonstrated leadership in climate advocacy, education, or community initiatives, serving as an inspiration for their peers.
Innovative Climate
Solution
Highlighting an individual, business, or organization that has developed or implemented a groundbreaking solution or technology addressing decarbonization or climate resilience challenges.