2024 Earthshot Prize Honors Five Visionary Projects for Environmental Impact

The 2024 Earthshot Prize has awarded £1 million to five groundbreaking projects from around the world that are leading the way in environmental innovation. Established by Prince William, the Earthshot Prize highlights solutions to critical global environmental challenges, celebrating projects that push boundaries in conservation, clean air, ocean protection, waste reduction, and climate innovation.

This year’s winners, selected from a field of 15 finalists, include initiatives making strides in diverse areas:

Protect and Restore Nature: The Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative in Kazakhstan is safeguarding the endangered Saiga antelope and reviving the Golden Steppe, a critical ecosystem. This project, led by Vera Voronova, has become a global model for wildlife conservation.

Clean Our Air: Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) from Ghana was recognized for its innovative “Zero Waste Model.” This approach not only reduces greenhouse emissions but also creates economic opportunities by reimagining waste management across communities.

Revive Our Oceans: The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, a collective of 119 nations, has set an ambitious goal to protect 30% of the world’s oceans and land by 2030. This initiative bridges the gap in resources and knowledge to make large-scale biodiversity protection achievable.

Build a Waste-Free World: Keep IT Cool from Kenya uses solar-powered cold storage to reduce food spoilage for small-scale farmers and fishers. Their scalable technology is critical to minimizing food waste while improving the economic resilience of East African communities.

Fix Our Climate: The U.S.-based Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (ATS) has developed a technology that converts waste heat from industries into usable electricity, helping industries like steel and cement reduce CO₂ emissions and energy waste.

The Earthshot Prize Council and Vision
The winners were selected by The Earthshot Prize Council, chaired by Dame Christiana Figueres and comprising global leaders such as Prince William, Queen Rania, and Sir David Attenborough. This council embodies a commitment to supporting bold ideas that can protect and regenerate the planet. Speaking at the awards, Prince William underscored the Prize’s mission:

“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.”

Expanding Impact Through the Fellowship Programme
Beyond the prize, each of the 15 finalists will join the Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme, gaining access to mentorship, resources, and the Global Alliance of Partners, a network of businesses, investors, and environmental organizations focused on driving environmental action. Through the Prize’s Launchpad finance platform, finalists can also connect with donors and investors to scale their impact.

With nominations now open for 2025, the Earthshot Prize continues to call on innovators worldwide to bring forward solutions for a healthier, more sustainable planet.