For more than three decades, the Goldman Environmental Awards have been honoring ordinary people who take extraordinary action to protect the planet. Often referred to as the “Green Oscars” or “Green Nobels,” the award honors grassroots environmental leaders whose activities have changed laws, protected ecosystems and defended vulnerable communities. In 2026, the award reached a historic milestone. For the first time since its inception in 1989, the six winners are all women. Their victories spanned six regions of the world and addressed some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, from climate litigation and endangered species protection to indigenous rights and opposition to destructive mining projects. Together, these women demonstrate how local action can have a global impact, inspiring a new generation of environmental leaders.
Six female winners and why the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize is a landmark moment
According to the Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation, the 2026 recipients were selected from six regions around the world in recognition of their extraordinary grassroots achievements. They are the first all-female recipients in the award’s 37-year history.
1. Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria)
Image: Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation
As a conservation scientist, Tansh leads conservation efforts for the endangered short-tailed round-leaf bat in Nigeria’s Afi Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. After identifying man-made wildfires as the species’ greatest threat, she organized community fire brigades that successfully prevented major fires throughout the reserve.The Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation said:“She and her community fire crew prevented any serious wildfires from breaking out in and around the reserve.”
2. Borim Kim (South Korea)
Image: Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation
She has been an advocate in the youth climate litigation space. Her efforts resulted in a groundbreaking constitutional ruling that strengthened climate responsibility and brought attention to the rights of future generations affected by climate change.
3. Sarah Finch (UK)
Image: Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation
She made headlines after winning a groundbreaking lawsuit challenging the climate impact of UK approval of fossil fuel projects.Her efforts in establishing groundbreaking legal precedents earned her the Goldman Sachs Environmental Prize.
4. Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea)
Image: Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation
She is fighting the environmental damage caused by mining activities in Papua New Guinea. Through her efforts, issues related to environmental pollution have attracted the attention of the international community.
5. Alanna Akak Hurley (USA)
Image: Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation
She was an indigenous leader active in resisting mining projects in Alaska, known for its salmon fisheries.Commenting on this feat, she said:“This award belongs to all of us, and we have overcome all odds.”
6. Yuvelez Morales Blanco (Colombia)
Image: Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation
Morales Blanco became an influential environmentalist in Colombia for his anti-fracking campaign. Her actions allow her to highlight community concerns about water protection and environmental health issues.The significance of these awards transcends the achievements of the six recipients. The Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation said the 2026 awards symbolize the growing role of women in global environmental protection.According to a press release for the event, John Goldman, vice president of the Goldman Sachs Environmental Foundation, said:“This is a powerful reflection of the absolutely central role women play in the global environmental community.”Since its inception, the Goldman Environmental Awards have recognized hundreds of activists from nearly 100 countries. However, the 2026 winners stand out as the first all-female group in the award’s history. These efforts demonstrate that environmental change does not always begin with governments or large corporations, but at the community level, when individuals take matters into their own hands.Here are six women working to save endangered species in Nigeria, stop fossil fuel projects in the UK, and protect their land in Alaska, proving that grassroots efforts can still be an influential force for the environment.
