Jonathon Porritt follows in Al Gore’s footsteps at environmental awards » Environment » 24dash.com

Green thinker Jonathon Porritt was dubbed the Green Personality of the Year last night as edie.net, Europe’s largest environmental website, held its second annual Awards for Environmental Excellence.

He is the second individual to pick up the award, which is voted for by edie’s readers – environmental professionals across business, industry and government.

Former US Vice President Al Gore picked up the same accolade at the inaugural awards in October 2007 following the release of his campaigning film An Inconvenient Truth.

The awards were held at London’s Natural History Museum on Thursday, November 13, and were hosted by environmentally-conscious comic Alistair McGowan.

Mr Porritt, founder director of Forum for the Future and chairman of the government-backed UK Sustainable Development Commission, said: “Following in Al Gore's footsteps, in receiving this award, is obviously a great honour.

“And all the more timely given just how important it's going to be to keep green issues right at the top of the agenda in such difficult economic conditions.

“That's certainly going to be my principal challenge over the next few months.”

Mr Porritt triumphed against a host of distinguished nominees, including journalist George Monbiot, Prince Charles, naturalist David Attenborough, and Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The Green Personality of the Year award was one of 15 accolades that were handed out on the night recognising the often unsung work done by the UK’s leading environmental consultancies, and some of the innovative projects green projects being undertaken in the world of business, involving high street names such as Coca Cola and Mitsubishi.

A list of all the winners can be found at http://www.edie.net/awards/winners_2008.asp