Prince William Urges Environmental Optimism at Earthshot Prize

Prince William urged optimism in tackling global environmental challenges during the fifth Earthshot Prize ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. The UK royal, on his first visit to Latin America, said that while progress is slow, “this is not the time for pessimism or complacency.”

William said his belief in human innovation and environmental progress, which inspired the launch of the Earthshot Prize in 2020, “remains as strong as ever.” The prize, modeled on the ambition of the 1960s moon landing, awards £1 million each to five winners developing solutions to climate change and environmental damage.

The event drew global figures including singers Kylie Minogue, Shawn Mendes, and Brazilian artists Gilberto Gil, Seu Jorge, and Anitta, along with former Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan also attended.

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William will represent the UK at the COP30 climate summit, stepping in for King Charles III, as part of Britain’s push for stronger environmental leadership. During his Brazil visit, he announced new support for Indigenous communities and environmental defenders and toured sites affected by deforestation and pollution.

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As the Earthshot initiative reaches the halfway point of its decade-long mission, the message from Rio was clear: optimism backed by action remains essential in addressing the planet’s most urgent challenges.