Earthshot Prize 2023: Prince William Strikes An Optimistic Tone In Singapore

The Prince of Wales announced the five winners of his annual Earthshot Prize at a ceremony in Singapore on Tuesday, with each one of them set to receive $1.2 million to develop their innovation. The 15 finalists were whittled down from more than 1,300 nominees.

The effects of the climate emergency have become “too visible to be ignored”, said Prince William in a speech at the ceremony, adding: “The last year has been one of great change and even greater challenge … However, as we have seen tonight, hope does remain.”

Earthshot Prize Ceremony: A Star-Studded Affair

Actress Hannah Waddingham and actor and producer Sterling K Brown co-hosted the ceremony, with attendees including Hollywood star Cate Blanchett and Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. There were also performances from OneRepublic and Bastille.

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, couldn’t attend the event as she stayed behind to help her son George through his “first set of major exams”. The Earthshot Prize refers to the “Moonshot” ambition of 1960s America by John F Kennedy, who pledged to get a man on the moon.

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Winners Of Earthshot Prize 2023

GRST, Hong Kong, China

With the market for EVs booming, GRST has developed a safer, cheaper and cleaner way to make and recycle lithium-ion batteries.

S4S Technologies, India

The organisation’s solar-powered dryers and equipment help small-hold farmers preserve crops and turn produce that might otherwise go to waste into valuable products.

Boomitra, Global

Boomitra rewards farmers for sustainable practices. According to Earthshot, it uses satellites and AI to monitor improvements farmers make to the soil, tracking its ability to store carbon.

Acción Andina, The Andes Mountains, South America

This grassroots initiative unites tens of thousands of people from local and indigenous communities to shield native forests and ecosystems from harm.

WildAid Marine Programme, Global

Earthshot says this non-profit’s programme ensures people have the tools to prevent illegal fishing, allow wildlife to recover and improve coastal livelihoods.