Known as the “Father of Environmental Justice”, Professor Robert D. Bullard is a scholar, activist and leader of the environmental justice movement. Through extensive research and advocacy, he has served as a catalyst against environmental racism for four decades.
In according Bullard the Lifetime Achievement award, United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen paid tribute to someone she called an ally of the environmental movement, hailing his vision, his commitment and his role in mentoring the environmental justice advocates of tomorrow.
“Robert Bullard has shown us how one person can mobilize others to build a movement for the planet and for social justice,” she said. “His commitment to the idea that all people, regardless of background, have a right to clean air and clean water reflects a human-rights based approach to the environment, which is critical for global discourse. UNEP is honoured to recognize this pioneer with our highest possible award.”
The annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour. It recognizes outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector. Robert Bullard is one of six laureates announced in December 2020, on the cusp of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. Together, they Act #FORNATURE.
Source: UNEP
