We are the first generation to be able to end poverty, and the last generation that can take steps to avoid the worst impacts climate change. Future generations will judge us harshly if we fail to uphold our moral and historical responsibilities
Ban Ki-moon, Former United Nations Secretary-General
No challenge poses a greater challenge to future generations than climate change
Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States
The biggest risk to African growth is climate change
Paul Polman, Former Unilever CEO
Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. Our greatest threat in thousands of years. Climate change
David Attenborough, Broadcaster and naturalist
The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, awarded annually, in the amount of 1 million euros, aims to recognise people, groups of people and/or organisations from all over the world whose contributions to mitigation and adaptation to climate change stand out for its novelty, innovation and impact.
A humanidade enfrenta uma crise climática sem precedentes e os seus impactes abrangem componentes essenciais para o desenvolvimento sustentável, tais como a saúde pública, o acesso a água potável, o ar limpo, a segurança na oferta alimentar e o abrigo seguro. A ciência indica-nos que os impactes das alterações do clima têm avançado a um ritmo mais acelerado do que o previsto e que os efeitos nos sistemas naturais podem ser irreversíveis.
Humanity is facing an unprecedented climate crisis with impacts that encompass key sustainable development components such as public health, access to safe drinking water, clean air, food security and secure shelter. Science informs us that the impacts of climate change are advancing at a faster rate than anticipated and may have irreversible effects on our natural systems.
Without drastic change, the consequences will continue to be devastating for humankind, particularly to the most vulnerable.
MoreThe Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity highlights the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s commitment to urgent climate action. Notably, it seeks to speed up the transition to a carbon neutral society, to mitigate the negative effects of climate change for people, the environment and the economy, and to promote a society that is more resilient and better prepared for future global changes and to protect the most vulnerable in particular.
This initiative strives to draw attention to and leverage large-scale climate action responses, helping to speed up the process of decarbonising the global economy, protecting people and natural systems from severe effects associated to climate change and supporting sustainable development.
The Jury is comprised by a Grand Jury, composed of personalities of internationally recognised reputation in scientific, technological, political and cultural realms, and an Expert Committee, composed of experts of renowned merit in matters related to mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity will be focused on the recognition of accomplishments and contributions to solve the climate crisis. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation considers any potential recognition areas that can contribute to mitigate and/or adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Reduction or prevention of greenhouse gas emissions or the increased absorption of already emitted GHG. The mitigation actions require, for example, the use of new technologies, clean energy sources, reducing deforestation or restoring natural ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and changes in consumer behaviors.
Reduction the vulnerability of people, ecosystems and biodiversity to the detrimental effects of climate change. Adaptation actions require nature-based solutions, reforestation or ecosystem conservation measures, changes in physical infrastructures, among others.
