Justin Trudeau wins National Geographic Planetary Leadership Award

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been honoured with National Geographic’s Planetary Leadership Award.

The nature and science-focused media company gave Trudeau the nod at their virtual award ceremony Thursday evening.

“In recognition of his leadership in the protection of Canada’s marine and terrestrial life, we are pleased to present Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada with the Planetary Leadership Award,” National Geographic tweeted.

In recognition of his leadership in the protection of Canada’s marine and terrestrial life, we are pleased to present Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau of Canada with the Planetary Leadership Award. pic.twitter.com/OpCtrJUKxq

— National Geographic (@InsideNatGeo) October 8, 2020

The annual award is given to world leaders who establish globally significant protected areas. According to National Geographic, less than 1% of Canada’s marine areas were protected when Trudeau was elected in 2015, and since then it has increased to 14%.

• See also:
  • Trudeau asks Canadians to trust his pandemic recovery plan
  • “We can’t pretend racism doesn’t exist here”: Trudeau

The magazine also praised Trudeau for investing $1.3 billion in Canada’s “nature budget,” the largest single conservation investment in Canadian history.

Also significant for the award committee was Canada’s partnership with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Government of Nunavut to establish the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area and Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area.

John Geiger with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society congratulated Trudeau on the award.

Congratulations to @CanadianPM @JustinTrudeau for winning @NatGeo’s hugely prestigious Planetary Leadership Award! Everyone at @CanGeo and @RCGS_SGRC join our partners at National Geographic in congratulating Mr. Trudeau. pic.twitter.com/pZ7SAvgnff

— John Geiger (@JohnGGeiger) October 8, 2020