Prince William Presses for Renewed Climate Action at EarthShot Prize in Rio

Rio de Janeiro hosted a high-profile ceremony on Wednesday where Prince William underscored the need for urgent environmental action at the fifth edition of the EarthShot Prize. The appearance was his first formal visit to Latin America and came just days before Brazil stages the COP30 climate summit.

Established in 2020 after William's trip to Namibia, the EarthShot Prize targets inventive solutions to major environmental threats over a ten-year span. Modeled on the 'moonshot' idea, the award grants five winners £1 million ($1.3 million) each to advance projects addressing climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and related challenges.

Recognising the scale of the problems ahead, William sought to bolster resolve rather than foster despair. “I understand that some might feel discouraged in these uncertain times,” he said, adding that although much remains to be done, now is not the moment for complacency and the optimism from 2020 endures.

The gala drew a wide range of figures from music and public life, including Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes, Brazilian performers Gilberto Gil, Seu Jorge and Anitta, and former Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan were also present, reflecting international backing for the initiative.

William used the visit to highlight his deepening environmental engagement. Alongside the awards, he announced programmes to support Indigenous groups and environmental campaigners and visited several Rio sites to see conservation efforts on the ground.

Now at the midpoint of its decade-long mission, the EarthShot Prize aims to spur practical innovations and scalable solutions worldwide. William will continue his environmental advocacy at COP30, representing his father, King Charles, and reinforcing the UK’s commitment to global sustainability.

Through initiatives such as the EarthShot Prize, Prince William is continuing to promote climate awareness, encourage new generations of innovators and help maintain momentum toward a more sustainable future.