Forbes has unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Leaders list, recognising 50 people driving climate action and sustainable innovation worldwide. Twenty-six of the honourees are from the United States — more than half the list — despite the country facing an intensifying backlash against ESG principles.
The strong U.S. presence underscores a paradox: while American politics has turned increasingly sceptical of ESG, U.S. innovators continue to dominate global recognition for climate leadership. By contrast, Europe — where ESG regulation is firmly embedded — and Asia, despite China’s rapid green-tech expansion, feature less prominently. Emerging economies also make a smaller showing, even as they shoulder a critical share of the global transition.
Now in its second year, the Sustainability Leaders list highlights achievements ranging from using artificial intelligence to balance rising energy demand, to restoring ecosystems and reshaping global finance. The honourees were chosen with the guidance of judges including Laurene Powell Jobs, Jane Fonda, Tom Steyer, Jigar Shah, Charlot Magayi and Ester Baiget.
As Steyer put it: “When the sustainable choice is also the smart choice, the future becomes obvious. What’s left is the courage to deliver it.”
Presented alphabetically, the list aims to showcase that meaningful climate progress is already underway — and to inspire the cross-sector collaboration needed to scale it further.
The complete winners’ list can be viewed here.
