Prince William announced the winners of the Earthshot Prize 2025 in a ceremony held at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro on November 5, awarding five innovative projects dedicated to environmental repair with grants of £1 million each. The event, attended by celebrities and environmental leaders, highlighted global efforts to combat climate change through practical solutions.
The ceremony began with vibrant samba music and featured performances by artists such as Anitta, Gilberto Gil, Shawn Mendes, Kylie Minogue, and Seu Jorge, who interpreted David Bowie’s “Heroes.” Applause filled the auditorium as the winners were unveiled, showcasing a diverse range of initiatives from around the world. Prince William, in his address, described the winners as “the world’s true action heroes,” emphasizing that their work provides proof that progress is possible and serves as an inspiration for collective action.
Among the winners was re.green, a Brazilian startup that uses artificial intelligence to restore forests efficiently. Another winner, Friendship from Bangladesh, focuses on helping vulnerable communities prepare for natural disasters. Bogota was recognized for its effective clean air policies, while Lagos Fashion Week was awarded for promoting sustainable, craft-based clothing to reduce fast-fashion waste. The United Nations High Seas Treaty also received a prize for its efforts to protect marine environments beyond national jurisdictions.
The Earthshot Prize, established by Prince William in 2020 through his Royal Foundation, aims to encourage inventors and entrepreneurs to develop technologies that address global warming and its impacts. With Rio hosting the awards for the first time in Latin America, this year marks the halfway point of William’s 10-year commitment to the initiative. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, a trustee of the prize, noted that it serves as a platform to scale solutions by connecting winners with investors, thereby amplifying their environmental impact.
Prince William’s visit to Brazil extended beyond the awards ceremony, encompassing a range of activities that blended environmental advocacy with cultural engagement. He received the keys to Rio from Mayor Eduardo Paes during a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain, where he interacted with tourists and posed for selfies. As an avid football fan, William visited the iconic Maracana stadium, where he was greeted by Brazilian legend Cafu and participated in training drills with local children, even scoring a penalty kick in a fun session.
The trip also included a visit to the Guapimirim mangrove area in Guanabara Bay, where William took part in a planting activity, underscoring his commitment to conservation. He met with Earthshot Prize finalists at the Christ the Redeemer statue, further emphasizing the symbolic connection between environmental efforts and global landmarks. These engagements are part of a broader strategy to portray William as a statesman ready for future royal responsibilities, especially in the realm of environmental leadership.
Following the Earthshot ceremony, Prince William is set to travel to Belem for the COP30 UN climate summit, where he will deliver a speech on accelerating actions to reduce carbon emissions. This marks his first international trip for a COP summit, stepping into a role previously held by his father, King Charles. The convergence of the Earthshot Prize and COP30 highlights the urgency of climate action and the importance of innovative solutions in global policy discussions.
The Earthshot Prize not only provides financial support but also elevates the visibility of environmental pioneers, enabling them to attract further investment and collaboration. For instance, Rebecca Hubbard of the High Seas Alliance stated that the prize money will aid in ratifying and implementing the treaty, potentially leading to significant marine protection. As the world grapples with climate challenges, initiatives like Earthshot offer hope and tangible pathways toward a sustainable future, with Prince William at the forefront of this movement.