Tero Mustonen has been selected as the first-ever Finn to win the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize. Mustonen holds the title of Docent (adjunct professor) at the University of Eastern Finland. The Goldman Environmental Prize, also known as the “Green Nobel”, is the most prestigious environmental prize in the world. Tero Mustonen, who founded the Snowchange Cooperative, was selected as a recipient of the prize in recognition of his efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. The prize ceremony takes place in San Francisco, US, on 24 April.
Honouring the achievements and leadership of grassroots environmental activists from around the world, the Goldman Environmental Prize was founded in 1989 by Richard and Rhoda Goldman.
Obtaining his PhD from the University of Eastern Finland in 2009, Mustonen’s work has been focused on bringing together scientists, village communities and indigenous knowledge holders in the region to preserve traditional culture and environments in the face of human exploitation and climate change. Mustonen is known as a Lead Author of the latest IPCC report, and he is also a professional fisherman.
Mustonen has developed an innovative model of climate change mitigation and adaptation for the Arctic and Boreal regions. What began with a small amount of public support is now overwhelmingly embraced by Finnish citizens – and the model can be applied the world over.
Tero Mustonen is the founder and president of the Snowchange Cooperative, est. 2000. In 2021, the Snowchange Cooperative was selected as the winner of the St Andrews Prize for the Environment by the University of St Andrews.
The Goldman Environmental Prize press release
