The Earthshot Prize is landing in South Africa, marking its inaugural celebration on the continent this November. The annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony is set to take place on November 6, 2024, in Cape Town, shining the spotlight on innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
This event is particularly meaningful as Africa faces some of the most severe impacts of climate change, yet contributes the least to global emissions. The choice of South Africa as the host highlights the continent's significant contributions to climate action and the urgent need for solutions addressing environmental crises.
Prince William, who founded the Earthshot Prize, will arrive in Cape Town on November 4, kicking off Earthshot Week. He expressed his deep connection to Africa, sharing insights from his teenage years when he found solace and inspiration for the Prize during visits to Namibia.
"Africa has always held a special place in my heart," he said, reflecting on how the continent's innovative spirit has driven transformative solutions to environmental problems. Under his vision, the Prize aims to spotlight existing groundbreaking solutions and inspire future innovations.
The week-long event will celebrate the achievements of 15 finalists, each representing groundbreaking environmental initiatives across Africa. These innovators are already making strides to create green jobs and improve livelihoods, proving the immense potential of sustainable approaches to overcome pressing environmental challenges.
Leading up to the awards, the Earthshot Prize has built connections with numerous local partners, tripling the number of nominations originating from Africa this year. Over 400 African-led innovations were submitted for consideration, demonstrating the continent's burgeoning capacity for environmental change.
A glimpse of the celebratory week reveals numerous initiatives aimed at raising awareness and engagement around sustainability. One of the highlights will be the Earthshot Prize Dome, the venue for this year’s ceremony. Built alongside Cape Town Stadium, this impressive structure stands as the largest of its kind on the continent, reinforcing the event's grandeur and commitment to local craftsmanship. The dome, once again, will become part of Cape Town’s vibrant cultural scene.
The award ceremony will feature various performances, including a unique rendition of Lebo M’s "Circle of Life" from The Lion King pre-recorded at the iconic Table Mountain. This unprecedented performance location adds to the event's ambiance and commitment to celebrating local culture.
Besides the awards, the Earthshot Prize will also host its first Green Carpet Event, aiming to spotlight sustainable fashion. Participants are encouraged to either reuse their outfits or wear garments created by African designers, which aligns with the event’s environmental ethos. Viewers around the globe can catch the fashion event live on YouTube.
"We’re honored to spotlight African innovators and their solutions, and we’ll be encouraging investment opportunities to help scale these impactful ideas," said Prince William, emphasizing the urgency of collective action for climate change. His remarks indicated the broader ambition of encouraging young people across Africa to engage with climate issues actively.
From November 4 to 7, landmarks throughout Cape Town will illuminate green to celebrate Earthshot Week, following the tradition established at previous ceremonies held around the world, including major cities like London and Boston.
Visitors can also explore public exhibitions highlighting African climate heroes and their ingenious solutions to global challenges, reinforcing the theme of innovation at the core of this year's Earthshot Prize.
With Earthshot Week approaching, excitement builds around Cape Town hosting this prestigious initiative for the first time. The intersection of culture, innovation, and environmental action during this celebration promises to inspire participants and viewers alike around the planet.
