As someone who has spent a considerable part of my life advocating for environmental conservation and sustainable practices, I wholeheartedly support the Earthshot Prize. The innovative solutions that this prize seeks to discover and nurture are exactly what our planet needs at this critical juncture.
Four years ago, the Prince of Wales initiated the Earthshot Prize, as he observed a significant amount of environmental concern among the younger generation. He feared this worry could result in indifference, sadness, and a sense of powerlessness. His aim was to counter this sense of despair by fostering efforts to restore and rejuvenate our planet.
The Earthshot Prize came into being with a primary objective: spurring on an environmental innovation drive that could aid in achieving the global target of preserving 30% of nature, oceans, and freshwater resources, while also reducing carbon emissions by more than 40% before the year 2030.
A significant number of the strategies required to attain these objectives are either brand new innovations or ideas yet to be conceived. This is precisely why our prize is essential. Annually, we explore globally for solutions that, when expanded, have the potential to bring about remarkable change.
Each year, we choose 15 finalists and 5 winners, guided by our global team of experts and Earthshot Prize council members such as Sir David Attenborough, Cate Blanchett, and Nemonte Nenquimo, an indigenous leader from the Ecuadorian Amazon.
In order to accelerate their inventions, every finalist takes part in a one-year mentorship and assistance fellowship that includes experts such as renowned figures like Michael Bloomberg, an American businessman and the former Mayor of New York City who is known for his work on climate change.
The winners are granted £1 million each to further develop their concepts, and it’s worthwhile for everyone to examine not just the winners’ projects but also those of the finalists. These individuals hail from various locations and backgrounds, and their remarkable work might inspire a spark that blossoms into your very own Earthshot opportunity.
One of our 2022 winners is the London-based start-up, Notpla, who make a seaweed-based alternative to single-use plastic. What inspires someone to say, “Hmm, I wonder if I could remove fossil fuels from plastic packaging and replace it with seaweed?” But now, if you visit Aston Villa (a favourite with the Prince!), you’re going to get your fish and chips or vegan burger in seaweed-based packaging.
One of this year’s British finalists, MiAlgae, has discovered an extraordinary method for converting waste water from the Scottish whisky industry into food for fish. Every day, vast numbers of wild fish are caught and used to feed farmed fish as well as supply them with Omega-3. It is estimated that approximately 440 wild-caught fish are needed to produce a single farmed salmon. In only half a year, MiAlgae has produced enough nutrient-rich microalgae powder to sustain over 2.4 million fish in our oceans.
This year’s awards took place in Cape Town, and one of this year’s nominees is working to provide clean and affordable energy to rural African communities. Although Africa contributes minimally to global warming, it is one of the regions most susceptible to its effects. However, the world is brimming with remarkable transformations, and Africa is a continent teeming with creativity and innovation, particularly from young people.
Highlighting and championing these exceptional concepts, we aim to ignite people’s hopefulness. While there will undoubtedly be resistance from those who fear the shift away from fossil fuels, progress cannot be halted, and a movement that expands each day with an increasing number of individuals offering their time, skills, and imagination to tackle global issues – without seeking approval first!
Making choices that lean towards sustainability today moves us closer to a greener tomorrow. It’s less about striving for perfection, as this can sometimes paralyze action, but rather encouraging small steps that lead to positive change.
Changes, even small, add up and can make a big difference. As the writer Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
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2024-12-05 04:06