What it means to be an UNEP Champion of the Earth — A Thank You Letter

Today, I am incredibly honored to have been named a 2016 Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme, in recognition of my work in advancing science and innovation. I proudly accept this prestigious accolade on behalf of the millions of people around this beautiful planet who are championing change in micro and macro ways every day. I am fortunate to get to work with some of these everyday superheroes through my work– as founder of the UnSchool of Disruptive Design and as a sustainability provocateur and creative protagonist at Disrupt Design.

“The Champions of the Earth award is the United Nations’ highest environmental honour, recognizing visionary people and organisations all over the world that exemplify leadership and advocate action on sustainable development, climate change and a life of dignity for all.” — UNEP

I am, indeed, a very passionate Champion of the Earth and will continue to dedicate all of my creative powers to making positive change throughout my life. But, it was not always this way. In fact, I spent the majority of the early part of my life completely unaware of how the Earth sustains us and how I was the direct beneficiary of a complex interconnected whole.