• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Tuesday November 10 2026

West’s metro mayor named one of TIME’s Top 100 climate leaders

The Mayor of the West of England has been named among TIME’s 100 most influential climate leaders of 2026—a global list recognising people driving measurable, successful and equitable climate action.

She joins Prince William, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, basketball star Russell Westbrook, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and United Nations secretary-general António Guterres on the list.

Since taking office in May 2025, Helen Godwin has positioned the West of England as a testbed for practical climate solutions.

Her Green Energy Fund helped finance the Clean Power Pilot, delivered with Act 1.5, Bristol City Council and other partners.

The project used mobile batteries and green hydrogen to power festivals, TV and film productions and outdoor events, offering a credible alternative to polluting diesel generators.

Its most visible moment came at FORWARDS Festival over the August bank holiday weekend, where clean power ran live performances. The initiative showed how the region’s creative sector can do more than entertain: it can make climate technology visible, accessible and exciting to large audiences.

Meanwhile, a £5 million Nature Fund is backing eight projects to restore wetlands, improve rivers, reconnect habitats and reverse biodiversity decline – helping communities withstand drought, flooding and heat while creating greener, healthier places to live.

And £700,000 from the Mayoral Renewables Fund is installing solar panels at 17 schools and learning sites, generating 1.2 megawatts of clean electricity—enough to power up to 1,000 homes.

A further £500,000 scheme will help care homes and community buildings cut bills through solar panels, LED lighting and energy-efficiency upgrades.

Godwin is also looking to the region’s biggest untapped asset: the Severn Estuary.

She is supporting research into a potential tidal lagoon that could generate enough renewable electricity to power around half a million homes, positioning the West as a potential leader in one of Britain’s most significant clean-energy opportunities.

“It’s an immense privilege to feature in TIME’s Climate 100 list alongside so many inspiring people from around the world who are helping to shape a more sustainable future,” said Godwin.

“The West of England has a proud history of innovation, and we’re building on that legacy through investment in clean energy, nature recovery and the industries of the future.

“Nature and clean energy are not only vital to tackling the challenges posed by climate change, they’re also creating jobs, attracting investment and helping build a stronger economy.

“Taking bold action today can help protect our environment for future generations while creating opportunities for people and businesses across our region. I’m determined that the West of England continues to lead the way.”