THE Mayor of the West of England has been recognised as one of the world's most influential climate leaders, featuring in TIME's prestigious TIME100 Climate list for 2026.
Mayor Helen Godwin joins the Prince of Wales in the annual list celebrating 100 global leaders making a significant impact on tackling the climate challenge across government, business, science and culture.
She has been recognised for her leadership in driving sustainable economic growth through investment in clean energy, climate resilience and nature recovery.
Since being elected in May last year, the Mayor has championed the West of England as a home for green growth and green jobs, backing projects that help communities adapt to a changing climate while attracting investment and creating new opportunities across the region.
In its profile of the Mayor, TIME highlighted the Mayor's Green Energy Fund, which supported the Clean Power Pilot.
The pioneering project used mobile batteries and green hydrogen to provide clean power for music festivals, TV and film productions and other outdoor events.
The world-first initiative powered live performances at Bristol’s FORWARDS Festival over the August 2026 bank holiday weekend, demonstrating a practical alternative to diesel generators and even earning praise from headliner Lorde.
The project also showcased the power of the West of England’s creative industries to help accelerate climate action, bringing together partners, innovators, artists and event organisers to demonstrate how new clean energy technologies can reach and inspire wider audiences.
Recent months have seen other major accomplishments in the West, including the £5 million backing of major nature recovery projects through the Mayor’s Nature Fund to reverse biodiversity decline, reconnect habitats and support nature’s contribution to combating the climate crisis.
The installation of solar panels at 17 schools and learning sites were enabled thanks to the £700,000 Mayoral Renewables Fund, helping to produce 1.2 Megawatts of clean power, equivalent to powering up to 1,000 homes. A £500,000 scheme was launched to help care homes and community buildings with energy efficiency upgrades, such as solar panels and LED lighting.
The Mayor is also supporting research into the potential for a tidal lagoon in the Severn Estuary. If realised, the project could generate enough renewable electricity to power around half a million homes, making it one of the UK's most significant clean energy opportunities.
Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, said: “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.
“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.”