German Environmental Prize 2025: Chemnitz honors pioneers of climate research!

German Environmental Prize 2025: Chemnitz honors pioneers of climate research!

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, it's that time again: The German Environmental Prize will be awarded for the 33rd time. The venue is Chemnitz, where Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will have the honor of presenting the awards. The prize is awarded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) and is endowed with an impressive 500,000 euros, which are awarded annually for outstanding achievements in environmental protection. The jury is made up of independent experts from the fields of business, science, technology and social groups who carefully select the award winners.

This year, three personalities can be happy about the award: Sonia Isabelle Seneviratne, a renowned climate researcher from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, as well as Birgitt Bendiek and Lars Baumgurtel, the managing directors of the future-oriented steel galvanizing company ZINQ. Seneviratne is recognized for her innovative research methods that shed light on land-climatic dynamics. Their studies show how soil moisture, vegetation, evaporation and the atmosphere interact with each other and contribute to climate change. She particularly focuses on the role of evaporation in times of drought and temperature increases.

Research with impact

A deeper study of Seneviratne has led to a better understanding of the influence of soil moisture and vegetation on the climate system. Not only is she the Vice President of Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), but she also actively participated in the preparation of the sixth IPCC report. Their expertise is an important pillar in the climate science discussion. She is also passionate about climate change communication and has supported various initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of climate change.

But it's not just research that is recognized. The ZINQ company is recognized for its patented microzinc process. This process makes it possible to reduce CO2 emissions by an impressive 80%. This circular business model is characterized by environmentally friendly product design that focuses on the conservation of raw materials and low material usage. Lars Baumgurtel emphasizes that their processes not only make ecological sense, but also bring economic benefits, as rust has so far caused economic damage of up to 150 billion euros annually.

A role model for future generations

DBU General Secretary Alexander Bonde sums it up: “ZINQ’s approach is an inspiring role model for the entire industry.” This award is more than just an honor; it also sends a clear message about the urgency and importance of green innovation. Seneviratne and the ZINQ team show how important it is to make our planet livable for future generations.

The awarding of the German Environmental Prize is not only a celebration of successes in environmental protection, but also a reminder that every individual can make their contribution. Given the challenges we face, it is clear that it is now up to us to take responsibility and fight for a sustainable future. The awards are a real ray of hope and motivate you to think about your own ecological footprint and take active action.

For more information, you can read the articles on the following sites: MDR, DBU and daily news.