In 2020, Prince William started the Earthshot Prize to speed up new ideas that help fight climate change and protect the environment.
Since then, it has inspired people around the world to create solutions for our planet’s biggest environmental problems.
Ahead of the 2025 event, we’ve rounded up everything to know about the Earthshot Prize.
WHAT IS THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Earthshot Prize, created by Prince William, is one of the biggest environmental awards in the world. It was launched in 2020 to find and support new ideas that can help fix our planet by 2030.
Each year, winners receive funding and support to grow their eco-friendly solutions. The prize also celebrates their work at a big ceremony hosted in a different country every year.
Prince William’s Earthshot Prize looks to recognise the groundbreaking ideas and innovations that can help the planet, awarding leaders, entrepreneurs and businesses across five categories – Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.
WHY PRINCE WILLIAM STARTED THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE
Prince William created the Earthshot Prize in 2020 because he believes we are running out of time to protect the planet.
Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s 1960s “moonshot” to put humans on the moon, he wanted to spark the same kind of ambition and urgency to tackle today’s environmental challenges.
The Prize aims to find and support innovative ideas that can repair and restore the Earth – from cleaning our air and oceans to protecting nature and fighting climate change. Each year, five winners receive funding and global recognition for their solutions.
Prince William’s goal is not only to drive action but also to inspire hope – showing that if we think big and work together, we can build a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.
WHERE IS THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE 2025?
The Awards Ceremony for 2025 will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 5 November 2025 at the Museum of Tomorrow.
In Brazil, William will spotlight “the next generation of climate leaders and on why now, more than ever, action is needed to protect and restore the planet,” a spokesman for the Prince of Wales said.
“It’s an exciting time to be in Brazil as across Latin America, environmental leaders are driving bold, innovative approaches to protect and restore vital ecosystems like the Amazon, while creating local jobs and economic opportunities.”
Various celebrities will also be attending the 2025 event, including Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes who will both be performing.
Prince William and Robert Irwin chatting before the Earthshot Awards in 2024. (Credit: Getty)
EARTHSHOT PRIZE GLOBAL AMBASSADORS
Alongside the awards, Prince William has invited multiple celebrities and public figures to become ambassadors of the Earthshot Prize – including Australia’s very own Robert Irwin.
Robert joined South African actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha as one of the inaugural Earthshot Global Ambassadors in 2023.
“I’m honoured to join Nomzamo as the first Earthshot Global Ambassador to help place a brighter spotlight on the inspiring changemakers saving the planet,” the wildlife warrior said.
He added, “The Earthshot Prize is a beacon of hope for all of us who care about the environment and about our ability to ensure a liveable future for ourselves and future generations.
“Healthy oceans, ecosystems, and species equal a healthy planet, and The Earthshot Prize recognises the importance of investing and helping grow solutions that protect these critical resources.
“I’m proud to be one of the first Earthshot Global Ambassadors to help place a brighter spotlight on the inspiring changemakers saving the planet.”
Alongisde Earthshot Prize ambassadors, many of the world’s most influential artists, athletes, musicians and advocates have helped to spotlight the awards.
These include Heidi Klum, Nina Dobrev, Winnie Harlow, and Billy Porter, to name a few.
