• Five winners were recognized at the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize in Cape Town, each awarded £1 million to accelerate their innovative environmental projects.
• Initiatives honored range from wildlife conservation and waste management to cutting-edge climate solutions, showcasing global and local efforts to combat environmental challenges.
• Winners and finalists receive ongoing mentorship, resources, and access to influential networks through the Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme to expand their impact.

Cape Town, South Africa, served as the vibrant backdrop for the 2024 Earthshot Prize, where five remarkable winners were announced at a star-studded event hosted by Billy Porter and Bonang Matheba. The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, celebrates pioneering solutions that address critical environmental issues worldwide. This year’s winners were selected from 15 finalists, each representing a beacon of hope and progress in environmental innovation.

Winners and Their Achievements:

Protect and Restore Nature: Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative, Kazakhstan
Nominated by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative achieved an extraordinary feat in wildlife conservation. Their mission, focused on saving the critically endangered Saiga antelope, evolved into one of the largest conservation projects in the world. The initiative has successfully protected and restored Kazakhstan’s Golden Steppe, a unique and vital ecosystem.

“We are thrilled to be receiving the 2024 Earthshot Prize for Protect and Restore Nature. Altyn Dala demonstrates that when governments and civil society work together with a shared vision, we can achieve remarkable results.” — Vera Voronova, Executive Director

Voronova added that the conservation of the Saiga antelope and the rejuvenation of the steppe represent not only a victory for wildlife but a boon for the local communities reliant on these ecosystems for their livelihoods.

Clean Our Air: Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), Ghana
Selected for their revolutionary “Zero Waste Model,” GAYO, nominated by the Clean Air Fund, has set a new standard in waste management. The youth-led, gender-balanced organization works to transform waste practices to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and particulate pollution, while also generating income for communities. Their ambitious target includes reducing greenhouse emissions in Ghana by 70% and diverting 4,000 tonnes of waste by 2030.

“We are incredibly honored to be winning the Prize, which is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and the importance of empowering those most affected by climate challenges.” — Desmond Alugnoa, Co-Founder

Alugnoa emphasized that sustainable waste management is not just a goal but an essential practice that needs to be replicated across the continent, proving that local efforts can have global effects.

Revive Our Oceans: High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, Global
Nominated by Campaign for Nature, the High Ambition Coalition is an alliance of 119 countries with a mission to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. This coalition, which was pivotal in the adoption of the 2022 UN Global Biodiversity Framework’s “30×30” target, addresses knowledge and financial gaps by connecting governments with resources and technical support.

“On behalf of the alliance, we are deeply humbled to be a Winner of this year’s Earthshot Prize. Today’s award validates the hard work and dedication of all involved in the 30×30 initiative and fuels our excitement and determination to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.” — Rita Maria El Zaghloul, Director

El Zaghloul stated that this recognition strengthens their resolve to lead the world toward a future that respects and preserves biodiversity.

Build a Waste-Free World: Keep IT Cool, Kenya
Nominated by Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation and Katapult Ocean, Keep IT Cool has tackled the pressing issue of food spoilage with its solar-powered cold storage units. These units are strategically placed where fish are landed, greatly reducing spoilage and enabling efficient market transport. The organization’s efforts reduce waste and improve economic stability for small-scale farmers and fishers. Plans to expand include scaling operations across East Africa to include fruit, vegetable, and poultry preservation.

“We are on a mission to revolutionise the food supply chain in East Africa. We are grateful for the recognition from The Earthshot Prize, and it is an important milestone for Keep IT Cool.” — Francis Nderitu, Founder

Nderitu highlighted that their work is not just about technology but about enhancing the resilience and prosperity of communities dependent on agriculture and fishing.

Fix Our Climate: Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (ATS), USA
Nominated by Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, ATS was recognized for its innovative technology that converts waste heat into electricity, addressing a significant source of energy loss in heavy industries. Industries such as cement and steel manufacturing produce vast amounts of waste heat, which ATS’s scalable technology can capture and transform into usable energy. This breakthrough solution holds the potential to cut gigatonnes of CO2 emissions, making a substantial impact on global climate targets.

“At ATS, we are proud to lead the way in converting this waste into clean, usable electricity. Winning the 2024 Earthshot Prize underscores the transformative potential of our technology.” — Kelly Adams, CEO

Adams emphasized the pivotal role that recognition plays in helping them scale up production and drive meaningful environmental change.

The Earthshot Prize Council and Vision:

The winners were chosen by The Earthshot Prize Council, chaired by Dame Christiana Figueres and including notable figures like Prince William, Queen Rania, and Sir David Attenborough. This diverse panel embodies a commitment to championing innovative action to protect the planet.

Prince William, speaking on the impact of the prize, underscored its role in empowering change-makers:

“Their groundbreaking work demonstrates that with the right support and collaboration, we can scale solutions that will repair and regenerate our planet. Let their success inspire us to act with urgency and optimism, ensuring a thriving world for future generations.”

RELATED ARTICLE: Earthshot Prize 2024 Finalists Announced: Who They Are, What They’re Solving, and Why It Matters

Comprehensive Support for Finalists:

Beyond the £1 million awarded to winners, all 15 finalists gain valuable access to the Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme, which offers tailored mentorship, resources, and technical assistance. This program connects finalists to The Earthshot Prize’s Global Alliance of Partners—a network that includes leading businesses, investors, and environmental organizations dedicated to accelerating impactful climate action. Finalists can also use Launchpad, the Prize’s online finance platform, which matches solutions with mission-aligned donors and investors.

As the 2024 cohort celebrates its achievements, The Earthshot Prize is already looking ahead. Nominations for the 2025 cohort are now open, inviting entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide to present their transformative solutions for a better planet.

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