Deadline: June 13, 2025
Nominations are now open for Forbes’ second annual Sustainability Leaders list, spotlighting 50 of the most inspiring leaders across the globe who are catalyzing a sustainable future.
Focused on tangible impact, the list is a directory of those actively implementing innovative and material solutions to the climate crisis. They are seeking leaders spanning all industries and disciplines including founders, scientists, researchers, C-Suite executives, activists, storytellers, artists, investors and anyone else boldly challenging the status quo to address the defining issue of our time.
Background
The climate movement today is defined by contradiction: Technologically advanced, but politically fractured; globally urgent, but logistically stalled.
In the U.S., landmark environmental policies are being reversed even as climate-fueled disasters intensify and cost the economy billions. Globally, companies that once led on net-zero are walking back their ambitions, revising timelines, softening disclosures, and retreating from public pledges. New reporting requirements are being introduced and immediately challenged in legislatures and boardrooms. Capital is flowing into climate solutions at record levels, but it’s not always aligned with need, particularly in the Global South. Disinformation about sustainability is rising just as fast as public concern over the environment. And while AI promises breakthroughs, it’s also accelerating demand for energy and infrastructure. We know what must be done, but putting solutions into practice seems more difficult than ever.
Even so, progress is being made by those willing to keep building. In its second year, the Forbes Sustainability Leaders list will spotlight people turning ambition into scalable action, building solutions in an economic and political climate of uncertainty. In this moment, they are looking to honor leaders with clarity of purpose and the resolve to act when conditions are far from perfect.
Eligibility
- Open to founders, policymakers, investors, organizers, artists, scientists, and others driving impact around the world. Whether you’re building technology, restoring ecosystems, financing adaptation, or rethinking entrenched systems—they want to hear from you.
- For founders and CEOs of for-profit businesses, they are looking for companies with a minimum of $10 million in annual revenue or at least $100 million in funding.
Application
The deadline to submit all nominations for the list is Friday, June 13, 2025 at 9:00am Eastern Time. Finalists will be asked to provide additional information.
For more information, visit Forbes Sustainability Leaders.
