Earthshot Prize – A Game‑Changer for Climate Action
If you’re looking for a clear example of how money and ideas can spark real change, the Earthshot Prize is a good place to start. Launched in 2021 by Prince William and the United Nations, the prize promises five winners a year, each getting £20 million to scale up their solution.
The prize targets five big areas: protecting nature, cleaning the air, reviving oceans, fixing the climate, and building a better future for people. These “Earthshots” act like a checklist for the biggest challenges we face. By focusing on one area at a time, the prize keeps the effort focused and measurable.
How the Prize Works
Every year, a public call invites innovators, NGOs, startups, and research groups to apply. The application asks for a short video, a clear description of the problem, and evidence that the solution works on a small scale. A panel of experts reviews the entries, then a final jury picks five winners.
Winners don’t just get cash. They receive a year‑long mentorship program, connections to investors, and a platform to tell their story worldwide. The mentorship helps turn a promising idea into a market‑ready product or a policy that can be adopted by governments.
Success Stories So Far
In the first round, the winners ranged from a Kenyan company turning plastic waste into cheap building blocks to a UK team using AI to detect illegal logging. The Kenyan project, called “Eco‑Bricks,” has already built more than 10 000 homes, showing how a simple idea can lift communities while cleaning the environment.
Another winner, a marine group from the Philippines, created low‑cost reef‑restoration kits that local fishermen can use. Within two years, they restored over 5 km of coral, boosting fish stocks and tourism revenue. These examples prove that the prize isn’t just about cash – it’s about scaling ideas that already work.
For people wanting to get involved, the Earthshot website lists upcoming deadlines and tips for a strong application. Even if you don’t win, the feedback you receive can sharpen your project and open doors to other funders.
Why should you care? Climate change affects everything – food, health, jobs. When a solution gets the boost it needs, it can ripple across sectors and create jobs, improve lives, and protect the planet. The Earthshot Prize shows that big problems can have big prizes, but the real reward is the impact on the ground.
So, whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or just a curious reader, keep an eye on the Earthshot updates. New winners appear each year, and each one adds a piece to the puzzle of a healthier planet. The prize proves that with the right support, good ideas can become global solutions.
Prince William Champions Sustainability with Biodegradable Sneakers at Earthshot Prize Ceremony in South Africa
Prince William made headlines at the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, by sporting white biodegradable sneakers as he walked the 'green carpet'. The event underscores his passion for environmental sustainability through the award initiative, the Earthshot Prize, which fosters innovative ecological solutions. His choice of footwear highlights a personal and public commitment to eco-friendly practices.
