In Rio de Janeiro, a star-studded event took place for the Earthshot Prize awards, hosted by Prince William. This event was a highlight of his three-day trip to Brazil, aimed at spotlighting environmental issues before he heads to the United Nations Climate Summit COP30.
The ceremony kicked off with lively samba music and featured performances by artists like Anitta, Shawn Mendes, and Kylie Minogue. Excitement filled the Museum of Tomorrow as the winners were revealed. Among them was Brazilian startup re.green, which uses artificial intelligence to restore forests. Another winner, the Bangladeshi NGO Friendship, helps communities prepare for natural disasters.
Other notable winners included Bogotá for its clean air initiatives, Lagos Fashion Week for supporting sustainable fashion, and the United Nations High Seas Treaty, which protects marine areas beyond national borders. Prince William praised the winners, calling them “the world’s true action heroes.” He emphasized that their stories inspire hope and demonstrate that progress is possible.
This year, the Earthshot Prize granted $1.3 million to five out of fifteen finalists for their innovative, eco-friendly solutions. Established in 2020, the prize encourages inventors and entrepreneurs to tackle climate change. With a commitment spanning a decade, the event in Rio marks a significant milestone.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, a trustee of the prize, highlighted its role as a platform for connecting innovations with investors. “It’s about scaling up their impact on the planet,” she noted, referring to the importance of reducing carbon emissions and protecting our natural resources.
Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance, shared that the prize funds would assist countries in implementing the High Seas Treaty effectively. The treaty is expected to bring about significant environmental improvements, reflecting a growing awareness of our ocean’s health.
During his visit, Prince William also embraced Rio’s culture. He met with soccer legend Cafu, played volleyball on Copacabana Beach, and experienced iconic sites like Sugarloaf Mountain. His activities extend beyond sightseeing; they focus on climate change and conservation issues. He even participated in a planting initiative in the mangroves of Guanabara Bay.
William’s role in these initiatives signals his preparation for future leadership. This trip is part of a broader effort by the monarchy to present him as an advocate for pressing global causes. After the awards ceremony, he will continue to the COP30 summit in the Amazon city of Belém, where leaders will discuss urgent actions to tackle climate change.
As the world grapples with the climate crisis, events like the Earthshot Prize inspire hope and action. They remind us that positive change is possible when innovative minds come together to solve pressing challenges.
For more on environmental efforts in Latin America, check out AP’s coverage [here](https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america).
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Associated Press, AP Climate and environment, AP World news
