The Earthshot Prize: A Global Initiative for Environmental Change
British royal, Prince William, has joined forces with broadcaster Sir David Attenborough to introduce the Earthshot Prize, which they envision becoming the “Nobel Prize for environmentalism.” This groundbreaking initiative is designed to promote environmental recovery and inspire innovative solutions to the planet’s most pressing challenges.
Goals of The Earthshot Prize
The Earthshot Prize aims to secure a total of £50 million (approximately US$64.6 million) over ten years, funding 50 innovative solutions that address critical environmental issues by 2030. The initiative is built around five core ‘Earthshots’ — specific yet ambitious objectives that aim to enhance the quality of life on Earth for all its inhabitants, now and in the future. These include:
- Protecting and restoring nature
- Cleaning the air
- Reviving the oceans
- Building a waste-free world
- Fixing the climate
Finding Solutions for Tomorrow
The Earthshot Prize is committed to discovering innovative solutions that can operate on various levels, positively impact environmental transformation, and elevate global living conditions, particularly for communities that are most vulnerable to climate change. From 2021 to 2030, every year, Prince William and the Earthshot Prize Council will honor five winners—one from each Earthshot—with an award of £1 million (about $1.27 million). Participants may include individuals, teams, collaborations, businesses, cities, and even countries whose practical solutions contribute significantly to achieving the goals of the Earthshots.
A Call to Action
“The Earth is at a tipping point and we face a stark choice,” states Prince William. “Either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet, or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve. People can achieve great things. The next ten years present us with one of our greatest tests — a decade of action to repair the Earth.”
Nominations and Annual Awards Ceremony
Nominations for the Earthshot Prize will open on November 1. Each year, the awards ceremony will be held in a different city worldwide, promoting global engagement. The inaugural ceremony is set to take place in London in the fall of 2021. For further details, information can be accessed through The Earthshot Prize’s official website here.
