Amid a time when humanity is in dire need of innovative solutions to solve the planet’s most pressing challenges, Prince William has announced a new initiative that aims exactly at encouraging such urgent climate action.
On New Year’s Eve, the Duke of Cambridge, together with the Global Alliance, launched the most prestigious environment prize in earth’s history – the Earthshot Prize – with the aim of refocusing global attention on finding solutions to issues impacting the planet. They include promoting new ways of addressing issues such as energy, nature and biodiversity, the oceans, air pollution, and freshwater.
The inspiration behind the prize comes from the concept of moonshots, a term coined by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Since the 1969 moon landing, the term has become synonymous with ambitious and groundbreaking goals.
The prize is open to anyone who is making a substantial development or outstanding contribution to solving the world’s environmental challenges. Prize winners could hail from a variety of backgrounds, including scientists, activists, economists, governments, cities, businesses, or banks. The Earthshot Prize will be awarded to five winners each year over the next decade. And while the prize amount has yet to be revealed, winners will receive a hefty financial reward as well as large-scale recognition in hopes of inspiring collaboration among businesses and governments.
