Governor Hochul Named to 2025 TIME100 Climate List

By Blake Jackson

Governor Kathy Hochul has been recognized on the 2025 TIME100 Climate list, which honors the world’s 100 most influential leaders advancing climate action in business and policy.

“I’m proud that New York’s work to build a cleaner, more resilient future is being recognized on a global stage by such an esteemed publication as Time Magazine,” said Governor Hochul. “Our approach is rooted in partnership and practicality: supporting innovation, protecting communities, and ensuring New York’s future is both sustainable and affordable.”

As a former Co-Chair and current Executive Committee member of the U.S. Climate Alliance, Governor Hochul has led efforts to advance climate science and oppose federal resistance to environmental progress.

Under Governor Hochul leadership, the Alliance’s member states have collectively reduced net greenhouse gas emissions by 24 percent from 2005 levels, moving closer to the 2025 goal of a 26 percent reduction with New York setting a strong example.

Governor Hochul launched the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan, a groundbreaking statewide initiative uniting agencies to strengthen climate preparedness. Supported by the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the plan funds shoreline restoration, resilient infrastructure, and flood protection.

Key initiatives include the Coastal Rehabilitation and Resiliency Projects Program and Inland Flooding and LWRP Implementation Projects, which invested over $30 million in nature-based solutions for erosion and flood control.

Governor Hochul also introduced the Green Resiliency Grant Program, providing funding for flood-prone communities to develop green infrastructure such as permeable pavements, green roofs, and habitat restoration.

Through the Resilient Economic Development Initiative (REDI), $300 million has been allocated to strengthen Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River communities impacted by flooding, alongside collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on major shoreline protection projects.

Governor Hochul’s climate leadership also includes launching New York City’s Congestion Pricing Program, generating $15 billion for transit improvements, and advancing the $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, which supports clean energy, affordable upgrades, and 180,000 green jobs statewide.

View the full list on TIME’s website.

Photo Credit: istock-shansekala