Blue Planet Prize Current Year Laureates

Born on December 21, 1946
Former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Former Director of the National Toxicology Program (NTP)

Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum led pioneering research on the toxicity of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), significantly advancing international risk assessment. By demonstrating how exposure to endocrine disruptors during "critical windows of susceptibility"--such as fetal development--can shape long-term health, she strengthened the scientific basis for protecting vulnerable populations. As Director of both the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP), she bridged science and policy, translating research into tangible public health improvements.

Statement from Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum upon Notification of Selection

I am extremely honored and grateful to have been chosen for the Blue Planet Prize by the Asahi Glass Foundation. I want to thank my many colleagues, students, mentors, and mentees for their collaboration in advancing environmental health science.

My work has focused on understanding the toxicity of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and how environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals leads to lasting developmental and health impacts across the lifespan. This research has strengthened the scientific foundation for protecting vulnerable populations and advancing international risk assessment.

As director of the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, I sought to bridge science and policy by translating this research into meaningful public health protections.

I am especially grateful for the partnership with Japanese scientists and institutions whose early recognition of the potential health impacts of POPs on the environment has advanced our shared mission. The Blue Planet Prize ensures a better world by promoting global partnership and highlighting and supporting the study of the environment.

Born on July 22, 1957
University Distinguished Professor, Department of Economics, Colorado State University

Professor Edward Barbier has led efforts to value natural capital and ecosystem services, providing concrete guidance for policy and investment. In his UNEP-commissioned report A Global Green New Deal (2009), he presented a recovery strategy integrating economic revitalization, poverty reduction, decarbonization, and ecosystem protection, and has since redefined nature conservation as a "strategic investment" for economic prosperity. Through his analysis of poverty-environment linkages, he has further outlined how to reconcile global environmental concerns with social equity.

Statement from Professor Edward Barbier upon Notification of Selection

It is an honor and privilege to receive the Blue Planet Prize, which has been awarded by the Asahi Glass Foundation since 1992. The prize "goes to the outstanding individuals or organizations whose work have and continue to contribute significantly to the improvement of the global environment", and I am humbled to be included as a deserving recipient of this recognition.

My own contribution is based on a simple proposition: Nature is fundamental to our economic wealth and well-being. Explaining why this matters for economic prosperity and sustainability, and what to do about it, has been my life's work as an economist.

I am profoundly grateful to the Asahi Glass Foundation for recognizing the relevance of my ideas to solving today's global environmental challenges. I also thank my family and friends for their love and support, and many colleagues and teachers for their encouragement and help along this path.