Blue Planet Prize

08/07/2026

14/06/2026

【Laureate Message②】

“My own contribution is based on a simple proposition: Nature is fundamental to our economic wealth and well-being.”

Professor Edward Barbier shares the idea that has guided his life's work.

This page introduces this year's Blue Planet Prize recipients. The recipients are announced every June and invited to Tokyo in the fall for the awards ceremony. Commemorative lectures are given by the recipients in Tokyo and Kyoto.

13/06/2026

【Laureate Message①】

“This research has strengthened the scientific foundation for protecting vulnerable populations and advancing international risk assessment.”

Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum shares her acceptance message.

This page introduces this year's Blue Planet Prize recipients. The recipients are announced every June and invited to Tokyo in the fall for the awards ceremony. Commemorative lectures are given by the recipients in Tokyo and Kyoto.

12/06/2026

【2026 Laureate】

Can protecting nature drive economic growth?

Professor Edward Barbier (USA) has led efforts to value natural capital and ecosystem services, redefining nature conservation as a “strategic investment” for economic prosperity. His work has helped chart a path toward reconciling environmental protection and economic development.

Learn more:

This page introduces this year's Blue Planet Prize recipients. The recipients are announced every June and invited to Tokyo in the fall for the awards ceremony. Commemorative lectures are given by the recipients in Tokyo and Kyoto.

11/06/2026

【2026 Laureate】

How can exposure to chemicals before birth affect our health years later?

Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum (USA) helped answer that question through pioneering research that advanced environmental risk assessment and strengthened the scientific foundation for public health protection.

Learn more:

This page introduces this year's Blue Planet Prize recipients. The recipients are announced every June and invited to Tokyo in the fall for the awards ceremony. Commemorative lectures are given by the recipients in Tokyo and Kyoto.

10/06/2026

【2026 Laureates Announced】

This year's laureates are Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum (USA), for advancing international risk assessment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and strengthening science-based environmental health policy, and Professor Edward Barbier (USA), for valuing natural capital and ecosystem services and advancing the global green economy.

Learn more:
https://www.af-info.or.jp/en/blueplanet/introduction.html

09/06/2026

Can fossil fuels become a financial liability?

The story of 2025 Blue Planet Prize laureate Dr. Jeremy Leggett follows the journey of a boy fascinated by fossils and rocks who became a pioneer of green energy and nature restoration. Readers will also learn about the “carbon bubble,” renewable energy, and rewilding—key themes that have shaped Dr. Leggett’s work.

A valuable resource for environmental education and classroom learning. 🌏

https://www.blueplanetprize.org/en/projects/2025dr_leggett/dr_leggett_intro.html

08/06/2026

What does it mean to “restore the atmosphere”?

The story of 2025 Blue Planet Prize laureate Professor Robert B. Jackson follows the journey of a nature-loving boy who became a leading advocate of “atmospheric restoration.” It also explores methane, an invisible greenhouse gas, and the idea of restoring the atmosphere to a healthier state.

A valuable resource for environmental education and classroom learning. 🌏

https://www.blueplanetprize.org/en/projects/2025prof_jackson/prof_jackson_intro.html

Restoring the Atmosphere–Professor Robert B. Jackson is an expert in the carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems. His research focuses on soils and plants, as well as the balance of greenhouse gases originating from both human activities and natural sources. As chair of the Global Carbon Project, h...

03/06/2026

The Blue Planet Prize is an international environmental award that recognizes outstanding individuals from diverse regions and fields each year.
So far, laureates have come from
🌐　around 20 countries and
🌱　work across a wide range of areas
—from the natural and social sciences to policy and on-the-ground environmental initiatives.
Their achievements span climate modeling, ecosystem services, disaster databases, nature restoration, and more.

Explore the full list of past laureates here:
https://www.af-info.or.jp/en/blueplanet/list.html

Who will be selected this year?
Stay tuned for the announcement.