Honouring Contributions to Environmental Solutions
The Asahi Glass Foundation, chaired by Takuya Shimamura, announced Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum and Professor Edward Barbier as the 2026 Blue Planet Prize laureates on June 10, 2026. This prize, now in its 35th year, honours significant contributions to solving global environmental problems. Each year, two individuals or organisations are selected for their groundbreaking work.
Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum, born on December 21, 1946, is the former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology programme (NTP). She led pioneering research on the toxicity of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Her work significantly advanced international risk assessment and strengthened the scientific foundation for protecting vulnerable populations from endocrine disruptors. These disruptors are particularly dangerous during critical windows of susceptibility, such as fetal development.
Professor Edward Barbier, born on July 22, 1957, is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Economics at Colorado State University. He has made valuable contributions to valuing natural capital and ecosystem services. In 2009, his UNEP-commissioned report ‘A Global Green New Deal’ presented a comprehensive strategy integrating economic revitalization, poverty reduction, decarbonization, and ecosystem protection. This work redefined nature conservation as a “strategic investment” for economic prosperity.
The Board of Directors of the Asahi Glass Foundation selects the laureates each year. Dr. Birnbaum and Professor Barbier were chosen in 2026 for their innovative approaches to bridging science, policy, and investment in environmental solutions. According to the Foundation, their efforts have provided concrete guidance for policy and investment, reconciling global environmental concerns with social equity.
Award Ceremony Details
Each laureate will receive a certificate of merit, a commemorative trophy, and a supplementary award of USD 500,000. The award ceremony is set for October 28, 2026, at Tokyo Kaikan. Commemorative lectures will follow on October 29 at Tokyo Shoken Kaikan and on October 31 at the Kyoto International Community House.
The Blue Planet Prize continues to recognise and encourage impactful environmental advancements. It underscores the importance of addressing global challenges through scientific and economic innovation, aligning with the foundation’s mission to foster sustainable solutions. As we face increasing environmental challenges, the need for such innovative solutions becomes ever more critical.
