07:00, 14 January 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Ellie Goulding has been awarded an MBE for services to biodiversity and climate in the 2026 New Year’s Honours – a timely recognition of a public figure who has consistently used her influence to champion the natural world.
Tanya Steele, Chief Executive at WWF, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Ellie Goulding has been recognised with an MBE for her services to biodiversity and climate. As a WWF ambassador, Ellie has been a powerful and passionate advocate for nature, using her platform to inspire action on the climate and nature crises. This is a hugely well-deserved honour, and we’re incredibly proud of everything she has achieved.”
Ellie’s work as a WWF ambassador has gone far beyond symbolic support. She has repeatedly used her global reach to amplify urgent messages about biodiversity loss, climate change and the need for systemic action.
From encouraging millions of fans to engage with campaigns such as Earth Hour to speaking openly about the links between climate breakdown and nature loss, she has helped bring complex environmental issues into the cultural mainstream. Last year we also wrote about her appearing alongside Angelina Jolie in a documentary about bees.
Crucially, Ellie has also lent her voice to key political moments. In the lead-up to the UK-hosted COP26 climate summit, she publicly called for stronger commitments from world leaders, reinforcing the message that incremental change is no longer enough. Her advocacy has consistently aligned with WWF’s calls for ambitious action to protect and restore nature, including safeguarding forests, oceans and wildlife.
Additionally in 2024, Ellie Goulding received an honorary Conservation Award from The Perfect World Foundation, when she was named Conservationist of the Year by the Swedish wildlife and nature organisation.
Both awards and her MBE celebrates her commitment to raising awareness of biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, and her ability to mobilise a global audience in support of nature conservation. By using her voice to highlight the urgent need to protect wildlife and ecosystems, Ellie has helped bridge the gap between popular culture and environmental action, reinforcing the vital role public figures can play in driving positive change for the planet.
What sets Ellie apart is not just visibility, but persistence. At a time when public attention is fleeting, she has shown a long-term commitment to environmental causes, returning again and again to the same core message: that a healthy planet underpins human wellbeing and economic stability.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Friends of the Earth. This is a leading environmental charity in the UK, campaigning to protect nature, tackle climate change and promote sustainable living. It works through grassroots activism, policy influence and public engagement. Learn more here.
The Nature Conservancy. This is a major US-based conservation organisation dedicated to protecting land and water worldwide. It focuses on science-based solutions, from preserving forests and oceans to addressing climate change impacts. Discover their work here.
WWF International. A global non-profit working across more than 100 countries to safeguard biodiversity, combat climate change and conserve ecosystems. WWF partners with governments, communities and businesses to create lasting environmental solutions. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Life On Land, Partnerships For The Goals.
Photo credits: Getty Images
