Earthshot Prize begins search for ground-breaking eco-innovators

New Delhi, Jan 7

The Earthshot Prize has kick-started 2022 with the opening of its ambitious search for the world's greatest eco-innovators and their breakthrough solutions.

In its second year, the prize has expanded its network of nominators, with over 300 organisations from more than 80 countries, representing not-for-profit, foundation, investment, corporate, academic, governmental and community-led organisations which will search their expert networks and communities to find truly ground-breaking eco-solutions that can repair and regenerate the planet.

Nominators have until March 4 to submit entries that will be considered as part of the independent assessment process run by Deloitte, the implementation partner of The Earthshot Prize.

Last year, Earthshot solutions included coral reef farming, pioneering green hydrogen, entrepreneurial technology to provide electricity in energy-poor countries, a city-wide food programme to eliminate waste, and a country-wide policy to halt deforestation and protect the rainforest.

India's Vidyut Mohan was named amongst five winners of the inaugural Earthshot Prize last year. His initiative called Takachar was the winner in the 'clean our air' category and won $1 million as prize money.

Fourteen-year-old Vinisha Umashankar from India also made it to the list of 15 finalists and her project will receive tailored support from The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance.

Based on extensive research and consultation, each of the five Earthshots has three areas of focus known to be key 'tipping points' which have the potential to generate significant impact in the next five years, including personal transportation, regenerative agriculture, future-fit buildings, and extending the life of fashion, food and plastic products.

The prize is seeking nominations in these areas, and will also prioritise indigenous, and women-led solutions, Web 3.0 enabled solutions, nominations that unlock new financial models which value nature, and finally, wild cards, the out-of-the-box, blue sky solutions that have transformative impact potential.

Following the assessment process, which includes detailed evaluation and due diligence, a long list of 30 nominations will progress to the selection stage.

This stage is supported by a panel of independent experts, who will advise on finalists, and the prestigious Earthshot Prize Council, including Prince William, David Attenborough, Shakira and Christiana Figueres, who with other members will select the five winners.

Prince William said: "The 2021 winners and finalists have set the bar incredibly high. As the nominations for 2022 open, I can't wait to see what solutions the prize helps to champion this coming year. In 2022, we are determined to go further by seeking even more nominations from every corner of the world, ensuring that we spotlight and scale the very best ideas and innovations that will put our planet on a sustainable path and protect our world for generations to come."

Announced later in the year, the finalists of The Earthshot Prize will access a unique platform of support from our Global Alliance of Partnerships.

The 2022 Earthshot Winners will each win $1m in prize money at the end of this year in an awards ceremony to be broadcast globally. IANS