Today’s society is scarily facing multiple environmental issues like climate change, pollution and habitat destruction, but the Earthshot Prize offers a bold approach to tackling these various issues.
Yes, instead of fanfare and vague promises, the Earthshot Prize is purely focused on finding solutions that could make a real impact and then funding them.
Learn more below…
What is the Earthshot Prize?
The Earthshot Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards.
Made up of five categories or ‘Earthshots’, the Earthshot Prize is awarded to five individuals and/or organisations who come up with innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing environmental issues: protecting and restoring nature, improving air quality, reviving oceans, reducing waste, and combating climate change.
Who is the founder of the Earthshot Prize?
The prestigious award was founded by Prince William.
The Prince of Wales launched it in 2020 as part of his commitment to environmental advocacy and global sustainability, and to inspire hope and action toward saving the planet.
Ahead of the 2025 ceremony in Brazil, Prince William revealed there was more to his interest in sustainability.
“As a father, I think constantly about the world my children will inherit,” he told Hello!. “I want them to grow up surrounded by nature, opportunity and a sense of hope about the future.”
“But I also know that unless we act boldly now, that future is at risk. The Earthshot Prize is about turning the tide, about proving to our children that we are willing to fight for their tomorrow.”
How much is the Earthshot Prize worth?
Each category winner is awarded £1 million (roughly AU$1.9 million).
A total of five awards are distributed each year, amounting to £5 million total in prize money.
This significant financial award is intended to help scale up the winners’ projects and bring their solutions to a larger audience, ultimately accelerating positive change in environmental conservation and sustainability.
Who judges the award?
The Council, led by Chair Christiana Figueres, selects the winners each year.
Members of the council include Prince William, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Cate Blanchett, Sir David Attenborough, Ernest Gibson, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Indra Nooyi, Luisa Neubauer, Naoko Yamazaki, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Stella McCartney, José Andrés, Wanjira Mathai, and Nemonte Nenquimo.
What does Earthshot mean?
The term “Earthshot” is inspired by the “moonshot” initiatives of the 1960s, which were bold and ambitious attempts to achieve what once seemed impossible — landing a person on the moon.
“Earthshot” refers to similarly ambitious efforts, but with a focus on addressing urgent environmental crises.
Where are the Earthshot Prize awards held?
The Earthshot Prize Awards have been held in different cities around the world since the prize was launched in 2020. The inaugural Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony was held at Alexandra Palace in London. The second ceremony took place at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts. The third edition was hosted at The Theatre at Mediacorp in Singapore.
The 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony was held in Cape Town, South Africa in a purpose-built venue located beside Cape Town Stadium, dubbed The Earthshot Prize Dome.
Where will the Earthshot Prize Awards 2025 be held?
The 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in on 5 November, 2025.
This marks the first time the event will be held in South America and coincides with Brazil hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) later that year.
Prince William, founder and president of The Earthshot Prize, highlighted Brazil’s rich biodiversity and environmental innovation as fitting for this milestone event. The ceremony will spotlight 15 groundbreaking environmental solutions, with five winners each receiving £1 million to help scale their impact.
The announcement was made in a video featuring Prince William alongside notable figures such as David Beckham, Cate Blanchett, Hannah Waddingham, and Robert Irwin.
Who is attending the Earthshot Awards in 2025?
The attendees include Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue, Matthew McConaughey, and singer Shawn Mendes.
Prince William will, of course, be attending this year’s awards in Rio de Janeiro. While on a panel for London Climate Action Week, he shared his excitement for the upcoming event:
“I’ve always wanted to get South America, particularly Brazil. So I’m personally very excited about going down there. I think South America as a whole, the amount of ecosystem, kind of environmental interest and passion that is there.”
Princess Catherine has not attended the awards since 2022, when it was held in Boston, USA. She will not be making the journey to South America with her husband for this year’s event.
