The World Press Photo Contest recognizes the best visual journalism and awards visual stories in eight categories, including Environment and Nature. The award winners will receive €5 thousand each. The prize-winning photographs will be assembled into a worldwide year-long exhibition. The contest is only open to professional photographers. Entries close on 17 January 2026. World Press Photo Awards
awards/prizes
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation — Prize for Climate Action
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation seeks nominations for the 2025 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. The 6th edition of the Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to climate action and climate solutions that inspire hope and possibility. The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity in the amount of €1 million, aims to strengthen communities facing the effects of climate change, helping them to adapt and build resilience at a local level. Individuals, groups or organizations from all over the world can be nominated. The nomination deadline is 30 January 2026. Details here
European Landowners’ Organization — Land and Soil Management Award
The Land and Soil Management Award rewards land use and soil management practices mitigating soil threats i.e. soil degradation, erosion, reduction of organic matter content, diffuse contamination, and compaction as well as the reduction of soil biodiversity, salinization, sealing, flooding, and landslides. The winning project receives €5 thousand. Eligibility extends to farmers, landowners, and groups of farmers, on their own or in collaboration with research institutes, universities, and/or private companies. The call is open to applicants from all European countries. The call for applications closes on 30 January 2026. Land and Soil Management Award
Society of Chemical Industry — Sustainability Award
The Society of Chemical Industry presents the Sustainability Award in recognition of science innovation in industry which has led to significant, measurable improvements in environmental sustainability in product/process development or of business/operational processes. The award is open to an individual or team working in a company of any size or country. Winners will receive a framed certificate and a trophy. The deadline for submission is 01 December 2025. SCI Sustainability Award
Cisco and Global Citizen — Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award
Cisco and Global Citizen invites applications for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The Award is made to a young individual (18-30 years) who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending global poverty. Global Citizen accepts applications from individuals who have, or contribute to, a registered legal entity such as a non-profit, for-profit, or social enterprise. The award includes a US$250 thousand prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes. Submissions will close on 17 December 2025. Youth Leadership Award
WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award — Award in Leadership
The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award invites nominations to recognize leaders who dare to confront problematic structures and systems driving sustainable transformation in global development and serve as powerful role models. The nominees will have created change that inspires others and shown what measures are necessary. Candidates for the WIN WIN Award compete for SEK 1 million. Candidates for the WIN WIN Youth Award (between the ages of 13 and 29) compete for SEK 50 thousand. Any organization, movement, business, group of people, or individual can be nominated. Nominations must be submitted by 11 January 2026. Gothenburg Sustainability Award
Keeling Curve Prize — Global Warming Mitigation Project
The Keeling Curve Prize offers micro-funding and recognition to individuals or organizations with active or ongoing projects that reduce CO2 emissions or increase CO2 uptake. Each year, US$50 thousand will be awarded to up to 10 winners, chosen by internationally recognized climate scientists and energy experts, for innovative ideas that generate, conserve, or design clean energy solutions. This may include a concept, a plan, a product, a technology, or a strategy. Entries are accepted from anywhere in the world. The closing date for applicants is 15 January 2026. More about the Keeling Curve Prize
Right Livelihood Award — Annual Nominations 2026
The Right Livelihood Awards are annually made to individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today. The Award is sometimes referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” Past laureates include several whose work in issues of environment and natural resources advances social justice and grassroots development in the developing world. Normally, the Foundation makes three cash awards and one honorary award each year. Nominations are invited from anyone worldwide (excluding self-nominations, close relatives, and Foundation staff and jury). The deadline for nominations is 16 January 2026. Nominate
Rice University — Business Plan Competition for Early-Stage Startups
The Rice University (Texas, USA) invites student teams to participate in the Rice Business Plan Competition 2025. Entrepreneurs receive the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors, receive mentoring, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhance their startup strategy. Typically, startups have a technology component in Energy/Clean Technology; Life Science/Biotechnology; or Digital Services. The competition is open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at a college or university anywhere in the world. The grand prize winner receives up to $300 thousand in investments. The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Business Plan Competition
Harvard University — Award for Student Research on Asian Tropical Forest Biology
The Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University sponsors the Ashton Award for Student Research to support graduate and advanced undergraduate students working on Asian tropical forest biology. Applications are accepted from advanced undergraduates and graduate students worldwide. Awards are up to US$4 thousand to support research expenses. The application deadline is 01 February 2026. About the Ashton Award