President Ruto recognised in TIME100 climate list

President William Ruto during the National Tree Growing Day at Kiu Wetland, Makueni County [File, Standard]

President William Ruto has been named in the inaugural TIME 100 climate list of change makers in climate action.

Ruto was recognised in the list of Defenders category among other global notable figures.

TIME noted that the list aimed at recognizing leaders driving business to real climate action.

"William Ruto is the President of Kenya, where he has emerged as a leader on green investment for Africa. Kenya hosted this year's inaugural Africa Climate Summit, which secured $23 billion in funding for green projects for the continent," the publication explained.

Ruto's efforts and achievement in organizing the inaugural Africa Climate Summit that took place from in September 4 to 8 in the capital Nairobi, bringing together leaders from around the globe earned him the coveted recognition.

"We believe progress for the planet will come from the engagement with leadership by the business world," said TIME.
The publication described the president as "a leader on green investment for Africa".

According to the TIME, the list was compiled using the latest data by selecting individuals who are leading change in five critical fields including energy, nature, finance, culture, and health.

"Our team at TIMECO2 sought out measurable, scalable achievements and prioritized recent action, selecting individuals making significant progress in fighting climate change by creating business value."

Other notable figures on the list include US Special Envoy for Climate Change John Kerry, business tycoon Bill Gates and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

Additionally, YouTube content creator Mr Beast, musician Billie Eilish, Coldplay, filmmaker James Cameron, and Rockefeller Foundation President Rajiv Shah were also listed.