29/04/2026
There are moments when you get to celebrate not just a remarkable professional, but a truly exceptional human being - and this is one of them.
I am incredibly proud to share that my dear friend, Professor Debra Roberts, has been awarded the prestigious Kyoto Prize for Environmental Sciences - one of the world’s highest honours recognising outstanding contributions to science and humanity.
For those who may not know Debra, she is one of South Africa’s leading voices in climate science and urban sustainability, with a career spanning decades of impactful work in biodiversity, resilience, and environmental planning. Her influence extends globally through her leadership role with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, serving as a Co-Chair where she has helped shape how the world understands and responds to climate change, and was the first woman from Africa to hold that position.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the way Debra views her work. In her own words, it is never about individual achievement, but about collaboration - about the collective effort of practitioners, policymakers, and scientists working together to create meaningful change.
She has always championed the importance of local, on-the-ground action, recognising that real impact happens in the everyday spaces where people live, work, and face environmental challenges. Her work reflects a deep commitment not only to scientific excellence, but to improving the wellbeing of communities, particularly the most vulnerable ones.
As a further honour, Debra will also be inducted into the Earth Hall of Fame Kyoto in November 2026, a very fitting tribute to a career dedicated to making a global difference through grounded and meaningful work.
I could not be prouder to call her a friend.
Congratulations Prof! Your work continues to inspire on every level 💚