TIME Unveils 2026 TIME100 Climate List of Influential Leaders
The annual list highlights 100 global figures driving measurable business climate action.
1Fourth Annual Climate List
TIME has officially released its fourth annual TIME100 Climate list, identifying 100 influential leaders who are actively driving business climate action. The selection process involved editors and correspondents reviewing hundreds of candidates to identify those who achieved measurable and sustainable results over the past twelve months of global environmental efforts.
2Diverse Global Leadership Roster
The 2026 list features a wide array of prominent figures across various sectors, including Prince William, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, and former NBA player Russell Westbrook. Corporate leaders like Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe and Fervo Energy CEO Tim Latimer are joined by political figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
3Focus on Measurable Impact
Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs emphasized that the primary criterion for inclusion was the demonstration of sustainable action within the last year. These innovators are recognized for writing new playbooks for climate progress, effectively keeping their focus on future solutions while addressing the urgent environmental challenges currently facing the global community today.
4Upcoming COP31 Impact Dinner
TIME will host the TIME100 Impact Dinner: Leaders Creating Climate Action on November 10 in Antalya, Türkiye. This event coincides with the COP31 climate conference and aims to spotlight key figures from the list. The gathering serves as a platform for policy makers and business leaders to discuss meaningful preservation strategies.
5Distinguished Speakers and Advocates
The Antalya event will feature insights from notable speakers including journalist Vanessa Hauc, Global Citizen co-founder Michael Sheldrick, and World Resources Institute CEO Ani Dasgupta. These participants will join other activists and executives to examine how collaborative efforts can better preserve the planet's resources through shared knowledge and strategic policy implementation.
6Corporate and Institutional Support
The TIME100 Impact Dinner is presented by Rolex, which serves as the official timepiece for the event. This partnership highlights the intersection of corporate branding and climate advocacy, as global entities increasingly align their public image with environmental sustainability initiatives and the broader goals of the international climate action community.
7Strategic Role of Innovators
The inclusion of figures like STAX Engineering's Edward Norton and European Climate Foundation CEO Laurence Tubiana underscores the importance of technical and strategic leadership. By highlighting these specific roles, the list illustrates that effective climate action requires a combination of engineering innovation, philanthropic investment, and high-level policy guidance from global leaders.
8Future Outlook for Climate
As the world looks toward the outcomes of COP31, the TIME100 Climate list serves as a benchmark for tracking progress in the private and public sectors. By focusing on those who have already delivered tangible results, the list provides a roadmap for future environmental leadership and sustained global climate accountability.
Original article: Time — TIME Unveils 2026 TIME100 Climate List of Influential Leaders