Just one month ago, seven individuals from six countries received the 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize and garnered the world’s attention for their remarkable environmental achievements. With the addition this year of Makoma Lekalakala, Liz McDaid, Khanh Nguy Thi, Claire Nouvian, Manny Calonzo, LeeAnne Walters, and Francia Márquez, the Goldman Prize community now includes 188 Prize winners from 87 countries. They are a phenomenally talented, inspiring, and diverse group of leaders.
“Regular people from Vietnam to Colombia have proven once again that it takes only one person with a spark to fight back.” – Susan Gelman, President, Goldman Environmental Foundation
We are grateful to our network of nominating organizations, partners, and supporters for making the Prize happen year after year. We look forward to sharing updates on the 2018 winners, as well as our 30th anniversary celebration in 2019.
Below are some of our favorite photos and videos from the 2018 #GoldmanPrize celebrations.
2018 Goldman Prize winners onstage at the San Francisco ceremony2018 Goldman Prize winners at the Washington, DC, ceremonyThe official group portrait of the 2018 Goldman Prize winnersCartoon of the 2018 Prize winners drawn by Jim Toomey, our Master of Ceremonies in Washington, DCPrize winners visiting the Golden Gate BridgePrize winners with Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (IYEL) participants at a youth event hosted by Crissy Field CenterPrize winner Claire Nouvian speaks with IYEL participantsPrize winner Manny Calonzo with Juslyn Manalo, Mayor of Daly City, CaliforniaPrize winner LeeAnne Walters and her husband Dennis Walters meet with U.S. Senator Gary Peters of MichiganPrize winner Francia Márquez meets with Camilo Reyes Rodríguez, Ambassador of Colombia to the United StatesPrize winner Khanh Nguy Thi with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Goldman Prize Program Officer Lindsey FreedmanPrize winners Khanh Nguy Thi, Makoma Lekalakala, and Liz McDaid speak on a panel about energy issues at the World Resources InstituteGoldman Environmental Foundation President Susie Gelman gives remarks at the San Francisco Prize CeremonyGoldman Environmental Foundation President Susan Gelman and Prize winners meet with House Minority Leader Nancy PelosiPrize winners give their acceptance speeches at the San Francisco ceremony, which took place April 23
You can watch the full 2018 Goldman Prize ceremony below and on our YouTube channel.
When asked what it’s like to have a major climate ruling named after her, Sarah Finch responded, “It’s really cool!” A writer and editor from southeastern England, Sarah is now a well-known name in environmental circles thanks to the “Finch ruling,” a 2024 decision by the UK Supreme Court that requires environmental assessments to consider the downstream impacts that fossil fuels will have on the global climate, in addition to local…
Take a look back at a whirlwind week of connection and celebration of our planet’s defenders! Over the past week, the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize winners explored San Francisco and enjoyed the California coast. They also networked with past Prize winners, funders, and nonprofit colleagues and shared their stories with media outlets and local students. Join us in reflecting on a busy and fulfilling…
From the courtrooms of England to the forests of Nigeria, the 2026 Goldman Prize winners are working hard to protect our planet. These six extraordinary women show that change can start wherever you stand. Keep reading to discover how you can support the work of the six Goldman Environmental Prize winners: Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria), Borim…
