The UK’s Prince William has revealed the next location for his environmental Earthshot Prize that aims to create ‘safer ways to live our lives’.
The environmental awards come in the same month as Brazil is hosting the Cop30 UN climate change summit and will bring together innovators, investors, philanthropists, and world leaders for the first time on the continent of South America.
To mark the announcement, Prince William said: ‘2025 marks the midway point of the Earthshot decade and each year we’ve witnessed the remarkable power of human ingenuity in addressing our planet’s most pressing challenges.
‘We need urgent optimism now more than ever, and I think Brazil epitomises that. We are seeing fresh momentum for new ideas to create healthier and safer ways to live our lives.
‘It is an honour to profile the people making our world a better place for us and for our children.’
Hollywood star Cate Blanchett spoke in a launch video for the event.
She said: ‘We’re at our best as a species when we’re faced with a crisis. That’s when our true, positive, community-building character comes through.
‘Re-engaging and reconnecting with our shared environment gives more than it takes and helps build positive new networks. And the Earthshot Prize highlights that change is already happening. Reminds us that we are a mindful, humane and creative species.’
Oscar winner Blanchett has frequently spoken on environmental matters, saying ‘the overwhelming nature of the climate challenge can lead to despair, but we don’t have time for apathy and inaction’.
Earthshot Prize Awards £1 Million
The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William and now in its fifth year, awards £1 million (AED4.73million) annually to five inventors who have come up with new solutions to help save the planet.
He said. ‘I don’t want to preach, I want to find solutions.’
Since its inception, the Prize has identified over 5,300 emerging environmental innovations from 141 countries, recognised and supported 60 innovators through its Fellowship Programme, and awarded £20 million to Prize Winners to help scale their solutions.
Building on the past five years of events in London, Boston, Singapore, and Cape Town, this year’s Prize, held in the most biologically diverse country on Earth, will shine a global spotlight on 15 groundbreaking environmental solutions.
Finalists will take part in a year-long accelerator programme that provides mentorship, technical resources, and support for growing their businesses, as well as access to a global network of partners across business, philanthropy, and investment.
Mato Grosso do Sul-based Belterra, a 2023 Finalist for The Earthshot Prize, is one example of Brazil’s leadership on nature-based solutions.
Collaborating with small and medium-sized farmers to restore critical forests, Belterra has protected 40,000 hectares of Brazilian forest and connected dozens of farmers with commercial partners that drive regional economic impact.
Marcelo Angelo Pereti, CFO of the company said: ‘Since our nomination as a Finalist in 2023, The Earthshot Prize has undoubtedly helped our business to scale. Specifically, The Prize hosted masterclasses with our leadership team, guided us on capital raises which improved our structure for our Series A and through its network introduced us to future partners and clients.
‘I am thrilled The Prize will be in Brazil this year and my hope is this will elevate many more organisations making a positive impact in our beautiful, nature-rich country.’
