16th Special Focus on Global Change
For most of the program’s history, we have honored five recipients, one
each in fields of great importance to Senator John Heinz, including Arts
and Humanities, Environment, Human Condition, Public Policy,
Technology, the Economy and Employment. In 2009, we made an exception to
this by honoring 10 individuals for their work on the environment, one
of Senator Heinz’s highest priorities. This year we took this focus even
further.
The world is at a crucial moment, brought there by
the scale of the human enterprise on Earth. Scientists refer to the
cumulative effects of human activities and natural processes on the
Earth as global change. The risks of failing to address these changes
are too great to accept.
Therefore, this year we recognize individuals
who are addressing global change caused by the impact of human
activities and natural processes on the environment. Each of the
awardees is distinguished not just by the impressive detail and scope
of their work, but also by their courageous willingness to communicate
the implications of their work, often in the face of determined
opposition. This characteristic was highly prized by Senator John Heinz,
and hence the award program has sought to identify and to honor it.
