The Earthshot Prize, initiated by Prince William of Britain in 2020, awards catalytic funds to innovative solutions that address our greatest environmental perils. This year’s winners include an Indian manufacturer of solar dryers, a soil carbon marketplace and groups working to restore Andean forests and deter illegal fishing. Celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, Donnie Yen, Lana Condor and Nomzamo Mbatha joined actress Cate Blanchett to announce winners at the third annual awards ceremony held in Singapore. Additionally, this prize publishes a book to inspire young people to become changemakers that features contributions from fashion designer Stella McCartney; broadcaster David Attenborough; World Trade Organization Chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and NBA star Yao Ming among many others.
This year’s competition drew in 224 entries, up 30 per cent from 2017. Winners across various categories took home cash prizes, books and travel vouchers; jury members comprised Esplanade communications and content head Clarissa Oon for English creative non-fiction; Cultural Medallion recipient KTM Iqbal for Malay fiction; Dr Sa’eda Buang of the Asian Languages and Cultures Academic Group’s Tamil poetry section for selection; in addition, public voting decided their favourite pieces for Readers’ Favourites award nomination.
This year’s prize has also expanded with the inclusion of a new category called “Oceans of Hope”. This award honors organisations using technology to improve life on our world’s oceans – specifically through plastic pollution reduction, sustainable fishing practices development and raising awareness regarding marine conservation issues.
Standard Chartered is proud to announce their role as Founding Partners of the Earthshot Prize, supporting winners through increased resources and reach while expanding impact globally. In 2023 they will work closely together on an exciting programme of activities.
Conservation International was also announced as its inaugural Strategic Partner, using their extensive network to connect winners with partners that share a commitment to providing scalable and innovative solutions for people and nature. Conservation International will capitalize on its expertise in biodiversity and sustainability financing in Asia; joining existing founding partners Hewlett-Packard, Trosa Tryckeri, People Travel Group Halebop Hertz as well as global sponsor Xylem Inc as strategic partners of this prize.