Who Will Be the Earthshot Prize 2025 Winners Announced by William in Rio?

The Earthshot Prize has recognised five innovative winners this year, as announced by the Prince of Wales during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. Highlighting their projects as "inspiration that gives us courage," Prince William emphasised the importance of these initiatives in addressing environmental challenges. Each winner will receive a £1 million grant to help scale their eco-friendly ideas aimed at combating climate change.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

During a vibrant awards ceremony at Rio de Janeiro's Museum of Tomorrow, the Prince of Wales announced the five winners of this year's Earthshot Prize, an initiative aimed at inspiring and funding environmental projects globally. This year's event underscored the urgency of climate action, with Prince William asserting that the winners' innovative approaches are proof that meaningful progress is achievable. The ceremony was a celebration of creativity and determination, featuring performances by renowned artists and attended by influential figures from various sectors.

Key takeaways

• The Earthshot Prize aims to tackle critical environmental issues with innovative solutions.
• Winners receive £1 million to develop their projects further.
• Prince William emphasised the importance of collective action in combating climate change.

Timeline: how we got here

The Earthshot Prize was initiated in 2020 with a 10-year vision to drive significant environmental change. Notable milestones include:

• October 2020: Launch of the Earthshot Prize by Prince William.
• October 2021: First winners announced in London.
• October 2023: Second awards ceremony held in Rio de Janeiro, marking the halfway point in the decade-long initiative.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent awards ceremony unveiled five new winners, each focusing on unique environmental challenges. Among them are a project aimed at restoring South America's Atlantic Forest and a global initiative advocating for a marine life conservation treaty. These winners highlight innovative approaches to pressing ecological issues.

What was already established

The Earthshot Prize has consistently awarded projects that demonstrate practical solutions to environmental problems. Last year’s winners included initiatives focused on clean air and sustainable agriculture, which paved the way for this year's emphasis on ocean health and biodiversity.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ripple effects of the Earthshot Prize can influence UK consumers by promoting sustainability in products and services. As eco-friendly innovations gain traction, households may benefit from lower carbon footprints and increased access to sustainable options.

Businesses and jobs

UK businesses can expect a growing demand for green technologies and sustainable practices, potentially leading to job creation in these sectors. The recognition of winners can inspire UK entrepreneurs and organisations to invest in eco-friendly initiatives.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may be prompted to enhance its environmental policies in alignment with the innovative solutions proposed by Earthshot winners. This could involve increased funding for green technologies and stricter regulations on carbon emissions.

Numbers that matter

• £1 million: The grant awarded to each of the five winners to expand their projects.
• 72 countries: The number of nations that submitted nominees for this year's prize.
• 2,500 nominees: Total submissions received for the Earthshot Prize this year, showcasing a global commitment to environmental solutions.
• 5 goals: The Earthshot Prize's main objectives include protecting nature, cleaning air, reviving oceans, creating waste-free environments, and addressing climate change.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Earthshot Prize: An annual award founded by Prince William to support innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
• Collective action: Joint efforts by multiple stakeholders to achieve a common goal, particularly in addressing climate change.
• Atlantic Forest: A biodiverse biome in South America, crucial for ecological balance and now facing threats from deforestation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, UK readers can monitor the developments related to the awarded projects and any announcements from the government regarding funding or support for similar initiatives.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Look for potential collaborations between Earthshot winners and UK businesses or government bodies aimed at implementing sustainable practices and technologies.

Signals to watch

• Updates from the Earthshot Prize regarding the progress of winners' projects.
• Government announcements related to environmental policy changes or funding for green initiatives.
• Engagement levels from UK consumers in sustainable products and services.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support local sustainable businesses and initiatives.
• Stay informed about environmental policies and their impact on consumer choices.
• Engage in community actions focused on environmental sustainability.

Don’t

• Ignore the importance of individual actions in combating climate change.
• Dismiss the role of innovation in achieving environmental goals.
• Assume that change is only possible at a governmental level; grassroots efforts matter too.

Checklist

• Research eco-friendly products before making purchases.
• Participate in local environmental initiatives or clean-up events.
• Follow updates from the Earthshot Prize and similar organisations.
• Advocate for sustainable practices in your community.
• Educate yourself and others about climate change and environmental issues.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Earthshot Prize aims to foster innovation, the actual implementation of winning projects may face challenges, including funding, regulatory hurdles, and local acceptance. Additionally, the long-term impact of these projects remains to be fully evaluated, as many require years of development and monitoring to assess their effectiveness on a global scale.

Bottom line

The Earthshot Prize continues to inspire a global audience with its focus on innovative solutions to environmental problems. For UK readers, engaging with these developments not only promotes awareness but also encourages participation in the movement towards a more sustainable future.

FAQs

What is the Earthshot Prize?

The Earthshot Prize is an annual initiative founded by Prince William to support and fund innovative environmental solutions, awarding winners with £1 million each to scale their projects.

How are the winners chosen?

Winners are selected from a pool of nominees based on their innovative approaches to addressing environmental challenges and their potential for scalable impact.

What are the main goals of the Earthshot Prize?

The Earthshot Prize focuses on five key goals: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-free World, and Fix Our Climate.