Prince William will be traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next month to host the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, marking the first time the prestigious event will be held in Latin America. The ceremony, scheduled for November 5th at the Museum of Tomorrow, will recognize and reward groundbreaking environmental innovations.
The Earthshot Prize: Recognizing Global Environmental Innovation
Created by Prince William five years ago, the Earthshot Prize aims to accelerate environmental solutions. Each year, it awards £1 million to five projects demonstrating significant environmental impact. This year’s edition received a remarkable influx of nearly 2,500 nominees from 72 countries, underscoring the global scale of the environmental challenges and the desire for solutions.
“Heroes of Our Time” Selected by a Global Council
A diverse panel of experts, including actor Cate Blanchett and Jordan’s Queen Rania, alongside Prince William and the Earthshot Prize Council, will select the winners. The finalists span a diverse range of initiatives, from national-level strategies to innovative start-ups, representing a collective effort to address pressing environmental concerns.
2025 Finalists: A Showcase of Environmental Progress
This year’s finalists demonstrate a wide range of approaches to environmental challenges. Notable contenders include:
- Barbados: Recognized for its leadership in combating climate change, aiming to become fossil-free by 2030.
- Guangzhou, China: Shortlisted for electrifying its public transport system, tackling air pollution.
- Sydney’s Quay Quarter Tower: A pioneering “upcycled skyscraper,” demonstrating a sustainable alternative to demolition of aging buildings, preventing substantial carbon release and waste.
- Matter (UK): Based in Bristol, this company has developed a filter for washing machines that removes microplastics—a major source of ocean pollution.
A Call to Action for Future Generations
In a released video message reflecting on the past five years of the Earthshot Prize, Prince William emphasized the urgency of the current decade. He noted that 2030 is rapidly approaching, representing a pivotal moment where current actions will define the planet’s future for generations. He expressed his belief that the individuals behind the nominated projects are “heroes of our time,” urging collective support to foster a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous world – both for future generations and for present-day life.
“The people behind these projects are heroes of our time, so let us back them.” – Prince William
The Earthshot Prize, with its ten-year timeline, highlights the critical need for immediate action and innovative solutions to safeguard the planet for future generations. The upcoming ceremony in Brazil serves as a platform to celebrate environmental progress and inspire continued action worldwide.
