Courage

Climate Courage Awards are given out once a year to humanitarians in the US in positions of significant corporate, governmental or civil society responsibility who exhibit outstanding bravery and leadership on behalf of global climate stewardship.

There is no limit to the kinds of courage we can display in this country for the sake of asserting responsibility to future generations, and we are determined to publicize and reward these stellar acts.

Process

  • We welcome and encourage nominations each year for those who are deserving of Climate Courage Awards;
  • Nominations application are always welcome and rolling annually;
  • You can send in a nomination by email (to: ccli@takeresponsibility.us);
  • The award will consist of a plaque, letter, financial prize, ceremonial prestige and media recognition, as well as the recipients’ climate courage profiles being featured on our website;

Nominations

  • The full name of the nominee;
  • His or her position of corporate or governmental authority;
  • What the nominee has done to deserve a Climate Courage Award;
  • The pressures the nominee has withstood to pursue a responsible course of action;
  • Interesting biographical information about the nominee;
  • References (preferably with names, email addresses or phone numbers) who can speak on the nominee’s integrity, courage and impacts to the greater good;
  • Any other information you deem to be essential in the consideration process.

The Climate Courage Award

Current Award Winner

2025 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Jane Fonda

For her unwavering dedication to resolving the climate crisis

Past Award Winners

2024 CCLI Climate Courage Award

The Elders

For internationally standing up so strongly, collaborating so diligently and advocating so thoughtfully to resolve the climate crisis

2023 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Our Children’s Trust

For honorably representing young people and defending their right to a healthy and livable climate

2022 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Yvon Chouinard, The Founder of Patagonia

For breaking the mold for how business can lead in solving the climate crisis

2020 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Robert Pollin and Noam Chomsky

2019 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Aspen, Jonathon, Lilith & Sierra

For outstanding youth for their leadership, community activism and hopeful dedication to addressing the climate crisis and for their stellar participation in the Sept 20 2019 Climate Strike

2018 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Governor Jerry Brown

For outstanding leadership to restore the stability of our climate & in- integrity of our nation. A seed grant in his name goes to Under2 Coalition, working to prevent global temperatures from rising over two degrees Celsius.

2017 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Mayor Javier Gonzales

For his commitment to climate leadership, the Verde Fund (helping alleviate poverty through sustainability) & EV solutions

2016 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Senator Bernie Sanders

For his unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and supporting a carbon tax as a platform priority

2015 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Mariel Nanasi New Energy Economy

2014 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Robert and William Nordhaus

For their respective work regulating carbon dioxide under the clean air act and establishing carbon pricing as viable solutions to climate change

2012 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Lisa P. Jackson, EPA Administrator

2011 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Bill McKibben, the New Energy Economy

2010 CCLI Climate Courage Award

John Fogarty, the New Energy Economy

2010 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Bruce Frederick, New Mexico Environmental Law Center

2009 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Suedeen Kelly, Commissioner of FERC from 2003-2009

2008 CCLI Climate Courage Award

T. Boone Pickens

2007 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Ben Luce, Director of the Coalition for Clean and Affordable Energy (CCAE)

2006 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Thomas Friedman, Foregin Affairs Columnist for the New York Times

2005 CCLI Climate Courage Award

Danny Cruz, Mayor of Springer NM

The Climate Change Leadership Institute calls for teamwork and wholeheartedly welcomes financial contributions in order to successfully fulfill our mission.

Scroll to Top