Constructing the 2025 Forbes List of Sustainability Pioneers
In a significant recognition of individuals who have made remarkable strides in the fight against the climate crisis, Forbes has unveiled its annual Sustainability Leaders list. The list celebrates 50 visionaries from various sectors, including founders, scientists, policymakers, executives, investors, activists, and artists.
The selection process for the prestigious list is rigorous. Applicants are asked to detail their recent achievements, with an emphasis on innovation and measurable impact. The top 120 candidates advance to review by a panel of external judges, including Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and president of Emerson Collective. The final list is then compiled by Forbes editors.
Among the honourees this year is Tom Steyer, co-executive chair of Galvanize Climate Solutions, a global investment firm focused on energy and decarbonization. Steyer played a key role in making California the largest jurisdiction with a 100% clean-energy law. He also founded Farallon Capital Management in 1986 but later left to focus on climate action.
Another notable figure on the list is Jane Fonda, a renowned actress and activist. Fonda's contributions to climate activism are well-documented, from her book What Can I Do? My Path from Climate Despair to Action to her founding of the Jane Fonda Climate PAC in 2022 to help elect leaders willing to challenge the fossil-fuel industry. Fonda was also awarded the SAG Life Achievement Award in February 2025.
In 2024, Fonda received the TIME Magazine Earth Award, and in 2022, she founded the Jane Fonda Climate PAC. Jigar Shah, co-lead of Multiplier LLC, an advisory firm for clean-energy and climate-tech companies, is also on the list. Shah is known for his work at SunEdison, where he popularized third-party solar power-purchase agreements.
One of the standout success stories on the list is Charlot Magayi, founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves, a Kenya-based social enterprise providing affordable, clean-burning cookstoves. The 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders will be recognised at the Forbes Sustainability Leaders Summit, taking place during New York Climate Week. The summit features headline conversations with notable figures such as Dr. Jane Goodall, Jennifer Granholm, and Peter Kalmus.
While the 2026 list is yet to be made public, the 2025 list includes notable leaders such as Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, and technology leader Jessie Mahr, recognised for their contributions to sustainability and climate action.
Read also:
- Achieving Successful Bonsai Grafting: Selecting the Appropriate Scion and Rootstock for Harmony
- European consumers are on the brink of experiencing a significant leap forward in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology, as Chinese automaker BYD prepares to unveil its innovative advancements.
- Recycling Business Transforms Steel and Aluminum Scrap into Reusable Materials
- Munich Airport unveils the largest electric vehicle charging station in the region of Bavaria
