Two leaders deeply committed to environmental stewardship – Stella McCartney, the renowned fashion designer, and Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, a champion for Indigenous rights and climate action – have been jointly honored with TIME’s annual Earth Awards. The recognition, announced at a ceremony in London on March 26, celebrates individuals driving meaningful progress in addressing the climate crisis. Both McCartney and Ibrahim serve on the board of directors of Conservation International, an organization dedicated to protecting critical ecosystems and biodiversity. This dual honor underscores a growing understanding that effective climate solutions must integrate both innovative industry practices and the traditional knowledge of communities most directly impacted by environmental change.
The Earth Awards highlight a shift in how the world views climate leadership, moving beyond solely scientific or political figures to embrace those who are fundamentally reshaping systems – from the fashion industry to international policy – to prioritize sustainability. The selection of McCartney and Ibrahim reflects a recognition that addressing climate change requires a holistic approach, one that values both cutting-edge innovation and the wisdom accumulated over generations by Indigenous peoples. This year’s awards, as in previous years, aim to spotlight not just the problems, but the people actively building a more sustainable future.
Indigenous Knowledge at the Forefront
For Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, the fight for climate action is inextricably linked to the rights and recognition of Indigenous communities. As president of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT), Ibrahim has spent years advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous voices in global climate negotiations and policy-making. Her perform centers on the understanding that Indigenous peoples possess invaluable knowledge about sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation, knowledge often overlooked by mainstream approaches.
“Our Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge is not written in algorithms,” Ibrahim stated during the awards ceremony, as reported by TIME. “It is written in relationships, in observation, in respect, in generations of living in harmony with nature.” She emphasized that she carried not only her own voice to London, but the collective voice of her community and all Indigenous peoples who are often marginalized in climate discussions. Ibrahim’s advocacy extends to securing land rights for Indigenous communities, a crucial step in protecting vital ecosystems and empowering local stewardship. According to a 2022 report by the Rights and Resources Initiative, Indigenous and local communities manage approximately 30% of the world’s land, yet legally recognize only 10% of it.
From “Eco Weirdo” to Industry Pioneer
Stella McCartney’s journey to becoming a sustainability leader in the fashion industry was marked by early resistance. After graduating from Central Saint Martins in 1995, McCartney faced skepticism and ridicule for her commitment to eschewing leather, fur, and feathers in her designs. She persevered, launching her eponymous brand with a focus on ethical and environmentally responsible practices. Today, Stella McCartney is a global luxury fashion house renowned for its innovative materials and commitment to circularity.
McCartney’s vision extends beyond simply avoiding harmful materials. She advocates for a fundamental shift in the industry’s approach to production and consumption. “Every second, a truckload of textiles is burned or buried. Hundreds of millions of trees are felled for clothing fibers,” she has stated, highlighting the immense environmental impact of the fashion industry. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that the fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change. McCartney champions the utilize of innovative materials like Mylo™—a leather alternative made from mycelium—and recycled fibers, pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.
A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
Both Ibrahim and McCartney’s work embodies a core principle championed by Conservation International: that local communities and sustainable practices are not obstacles to climate solutions, but rather essential components. For decades, Conservation International has worked in regions like the Amazon basin and the savannas of Africa, supporting local artisans and farmers in adopting environmentally friendly practices while connecting them to global markets. This approach recognizes that protecting nature requires empowering the people who live closest to it.
Ibrahim succinctly articulates this vision: “If we trust Indigenous Peoples’ leadership, secure land rights, fund communities directly, and redefine well-being beyond profit, then the future is not something we fear. It is something we build together.” This sentiment underscores the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach climate action, one that prioritizes equity, inclusivity, and respect for traditional knowledge.
You can read TIME’s full profiles of the honorees here: Stella McCartney Made the Planet Fashionable—And She’s Not Done Yet and Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim Asks What Happens If Everything Goes Right for the Planet.
Looking ahead, Conservation International will continue to support initiatives that empower local communities and promote sustainable practices globally. The organization is currently focused on scaling up its efforts to protect critical ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots, with a particular emphasis on securing land rights for Indigenous peoples and fostering economic opportunities that align with environmental conservation. The next major milestone for Conservation International is the release of its 2024 Impact Report in November, which will detail the organization’s progress and future priorities.
What are your thoughts on the role of Indigenous knowledge and sustainable fashion in addressing the climate crisis? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
