Key Impact Points:

• Diverse Innovation: The Earthshot Prize 2024 has introduced 15 finalists from six continents, showcasing diverse innovations across five environmental categories, each vying for £1 million in funding.
• Global Representation: This year’s finalists include first-time representatives from France, Ghana, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Nepal, broadening the geographic and cultural scope of the competition.
• Strategic Partnerships: The finalists benefit from Earthshot’s global network, receiving mentorship and opportunities to scale their solutions, emphasizing collaboration between global leaders, businesses, and NGOs.

The third annual Earthshot Innovation Summit, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, has proudly announced its latest cohort of finalists for The Earthshot Prize 2024. These innovators, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, have been selected from nearly 2,500 nominees to compete for five £1 million prizes. This year’s awards ceremony is set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, spotlighting the finalists’ commitment to solving critical environmental challenges.

Categories and Finalists:

In five key environmental areas:

1. Protect and Restore Nature:

• Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance, Ecuador: This initiative works to protect 86 million acres of the Amazon rainforest, preserving its biodiversity and the livelihoods of indigenous communities.
• NatureMetrics, UK: Pioneering biodiversity monitoring through environmental DNA technology to assess ecosystem health swiftly and accurately.
• Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative, Kazakhstan: Focused on reviving the endangered Saiga antelope through extensive conservation efforts.

2. Clean Our Air:

• GAYO, Ghana: Implements a zero-waste model to enhance air quality and reduce waste in urban areas.
• d.light, Pan-Africa: Delivers solar energy solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa, promoting clean energy access.
• MYCL, Indonesia: Develops a sustainable leather alternative from mushroom mycelium, reducing agricultural waste and chemical use in traditional leather production.

3. Revive Our Oceans:

• High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, Global: A coalition aiming to protect 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 through international policy and conservation efforts.
• MiAlgae, UK: Utilizes algae to produce Omega-3 oils, offering a sustainable alternative to fish oil that also helps manage agricultural runoff.
• Coast 4C, Philippines: Empowers coastal communities through sustainable seaweed farming, enhancing both livelihoods and marine health.

4. Build A Waste-Free World:

• Natural Fiber Welding, USA: Innovates in creating completely biodegradable fibers as sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials.
• Ferment’Up, France: Upcycles food waste into high-value, nutritious ingredients, promoting a circular economy in the food industry.
• Keep IT Cool, Kenya: Provides solar-powered refrigeration solutions to African markets, aiming to reduce food spoilage and dependence on unreliable power grids.

5. Fix Our Climate:

• Equatic, USA: Develops technology to remove carbon dioxide from the ocean using seawater electrolysis, addressing ocean acidification and climate change.
• Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems, USA: Converts industrial heat waste into electricity, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Build Up Nepal: Produces low-emission, earthquake-resilient bricks for sustainable housing construction.

The Vision and Global Impact

Prince William, the founder and president of The Earthshot Prize, emphasized the role of the prize as a catalyst for environmental innovation. “Today, we celebrate the incredible achievement, unwavering dedication and urgent optimism that drives our fourth class of Earthshot innovators. The passion of these Finalists is a testament to what can be achieved when we tap into the enormous creativity, ingenuity, and optimism of communities around the world. Representing every corner of the globe, these Finalists are leading the way in solving some of the most urgent environmental challenges. Their groundbreaking work is inspiring hope and action as we work to create a sustainable future for generations to come.” he remarked.

Anticipation for the Future

The winners will be chosen by The Earthshot Prize Council, featuring eminent global figures such as Her Majesty Queen Rania and Sir David Attenborough. The anticipation builds towards the Earthshot Prize Awards on November 6, where the impact of these innovations will be celebrated and further supported through the Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme. This initiative aims to connect the finalists with a robust network of businesses, investors, and climate experts to accelerate and expand the reach of their solutions globally.

As The Earthshot Prize 2024 approaches its climax, the global community watches eagerly, ready to support these transformative projects that promise to shape a sustainable future for all. The initiative not only highlights the urgency of environmental action but also the innovative spirit that thrives across continents, cultures, and communities.

Related Article: Prince William’s Earthshot Prize 2024 Impact Report Highlights 420k Tonnes Carbon Emissions Avoided