Pioneers and trailblazers, whose work has had a significant and positive impact on the environment, are set to receive the UN's highest environmental accolade, the Champions of the Earth award.The prize is awarded annually by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to leaders from government, civil society and the private sector. One of the winners include scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan. An Indian-origin scientist, who proved how cutting emissions of "black carbon" or soot can significantly lessen the impact of climate change, he has been selected for the United Nation's top environmental award.