The Independent, a leading global news organization committed to making change happen, today announced the return of its acclaimed Climate 100 List for 2025. Now in its second year, the Climate 100 recognizes 100 of the most influential, visionary, and impactful figures around the world working to fight climate change and accelerate climate justice, sustainability, and environmental innovation.
The Independent Climate 100 List 2025 will be published online in September 2025, aligning with both NYC Climate Week and the United Nations General Assembly, and culminate in a high-profile celebration on September 23 at Penn Plaza, New York City. The event will be hosted by The Independent’s Editor-in-Chief, Geordie Greig, and bring together global changemakers, business leaders, scientists, policymakers, and activists for a day of storytelling, connection, and urgent action. Keynote speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Last year’s inaugural Climate 100 event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who joined leading climate scientists, activists, and business innovators to celebrate the first cohort of changemakers. The 2024 event set a high bar for impact and engagement, establishing Climate 100 as a key moment on the global climate calendar.
This year’s list will feature a varied mix of new honorees alongside returning figures from 2024 who have made significant progress over the past year. Representing a wide range of sectors—including tech, policy, science, activism, media, arts & fashion, food, and business—the 2025 Climate 100 will amplify the efforts of those shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. Climate 100 also includes 5 honorees proposed by The Independent’s global readership, vetted by editorial and third-party experts.
“This is a moment to spotlight the people who are taking bold steps to address the climate crisis—and to celebrate their ideas, their impact, and their hope,” said Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief of The Independent. “Now in the second year of Climate 100, we are excited to continue honoring leaders who are not just raising the alarm, but driving the solutions our planet urgently needs.”
“Climate 100 celebrates the individuals who are not only leading with innovation and courage, but inspiring others to act,” said Zach Leonard, COO of The Independent. “Through bold journalism and global storytelling, we’re spotlighting those whose work is transforming the world—and motivating our readers to take action.”
As part of its expansive editorial plan, The Independent will offer real-time reporting from NYC Climate Week across its Climate channel—including live blogs, multimedia features, expert commentary, and exclusive interviews with key players in the global climate conversation.
The Independent’s platform has become a trusted global resource for forward-thinking environmental coverage. With a monthly reach of 80 million global users and a 100/100 NewsGuard rating, The Independent continues to empower its readers with the knowledge, insights, and tools to make meaningful change.
