Overview

The Wilkes Policy Prize for Climate Leadership is an award recognizing exceptional leadership that demonstrates foresight, initiative, and collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of the changing climate. This prize celebrates individuals or teams-whether business leaders, elected officials, or engaged citizens -who have advanced meaningful policy or community action to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts such as destructive wildfires, the shrinking Great Salt Lake, hotter summers, or persistent air pollution.

Purpose and Goals

Some examples of leadership that could qualify for the Wilkes Policy Prize for Climate Leadership include individuals that:

• Promote decarbonization and the clean energy transition;
• Advance water conservation and nature-based climate solutions;
• Improve air quality, particularly reducing pollution sources exacerbated by the changing climate;
• Address the economic and financial impacts of the changing climate;
• Confront challenges of insurability and climate resilience in wildfire-prone regions;
• Create innovative policies or business models that protect the environment while sustaining the economy.

Award and Recognition

The prize will be presented to one outstanding individual or team whose work exemplifies leadership and measurable progress toward climate solutions. The honoree will be recognized at a public event hosted by the Wilkes Center, receive a commemorative award, and be featured in University of Utah communications and media coverage highlighting their contributions to advancing climate policy and resilience.

Alignment with the Wilkes Center Mission

The prize directly supports the Wilkes Center’s mission to leverage the University of Utah’s unique environment and expertise to drive world-class climate research and translate it into actionable policy. By celebrating those who embody this spirit of applied, solutions-focused leadership, the prize amplifies the Center’s role in fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and the broader Utah community—helping build a more resilient, sustainable future for the state and beyond.

Nominating Process

Anyone can nominate a person who meets the qualifications, including themself, for the award. In exceptional cases we may consider nominations for teams of individuals. A committee of distinguished entrepreneurs, science, business, environmental leaders, and faculty affiliated with the University of Utah will assist with suggesting and vetting nominations.

To qualify, candidates must be able to demonstrate engagement with policymaking that impacts Utah.  Candidates can be considered from a broad range of fields including business, policymaking, or community engagement. 

All nominations are due by February 28, 2026.

Please reach out to Ross Chambless (ross.chambless@utah.edu) with questions.