The Independent, the global media brand dedicated to making change happen, today launched its second annual Climate 100 List, celebrating 100 individuals and organizations worldwide who are making meaningful progress on climate action. Honorees span activism, politics, science, business, and culture, and include internationally recognized figures such as King Charles III, Greta Thunberg, Pope Leo, Billie Eilish, Al Gore, and Jane Goodall.
The Climate 100 List arrives at a pivotal moment as the world confronts record-breaking heatwaves, catastrophic flooding, and unprecedented climate migration. Now in its second year, the initiative underscores The Independent’s nearly 40-year commitment to climate journalism and positions the brand as a fixture of Climate Week NYC.
“For nearly four decades, uncovering the critical issues surrounding climate change has been at the heart of The Independent’s journalism. With Climate 100, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of those who are leading the way in tackling one of the most urgent challenges of our time. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to informing and inspiring action through stories that drive real change for the planet,” said Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief, The Independent.
As part of the 2025 program, The Independent has expanded its partnerships with leading organizations, including the Gates Foundation, ensuring that Climate 100 not only celebrates progress but also helps drive global conversations on financing, technology, and innovation for climate solutions.
“This is a defining moment for our planet. Climate 100 shines a spotlight on the leaders who are not just sounding the alarm, but developing the solutions and galvanizing movements for real-world impact,” said Zach Leonard, Chief Operating Officer, The Independent.
The Climate 100 event—to commemorate the list and honorees—will be held September 23 in New York during the 17th annual Climate Week NYC. The full list of honorees is available here.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, The Independent has included in 2025 a new list of Readers’ Choice honorees, enhanced multimedia storytelling, and will be releasing a high-quality video recap designed to extend the impact of the event far beyond the room. These enhancements reflect the publication’s ambition to position Climate 100 as not just an annual list, but a global platform that elevates climate leadership and sparks tangible action throughout the year.
