Fokus explained its reason for bestowing the honor, saying, “At a time when "climate anxiety" has become a common expression, there are people who do not allow themselves to be paralyzed. This year's innovation winner is one of them. He realized that more than 50 percent of the world's energy consumption is wasted as heat. From this he created a simple method for transforming waste heat and geothermal heat into clean electricity. Few Swedes are still aware of the success, but the world has awakened. In 2018, this year's innovator won a prestigious award in Japan. This year's Swedish person of the year within Innovation is Climeon's founder and CEO Tomas Öström.”
Öström said, “It feels incredible to be appointed Swedish Person of the Year and I'm really proud. The most important thing that this prize brings is that our fight to find solutions to the climate crisis is highlighted.”
According to Fokus, “The award is given to a person who stood out in a way that changed Sweden for the better. The key is that the winner has demonstrated independence and originality.”
“It is important that the public becomes aware of the progress that has been made and continues to be made in the fight against climate change. I want to encourage everyone to demand their politicians implement the solutions that actually exist,” concluded Öström.
The is the 13th year the prize has been awarded by Fokus and this year's jury was led by Johan Hakelius, political chief editor of the magazine.
