Recently, two talented Indians, Vinisha and Vidyut, were selected among the 15 finalists for the inaugural Earthshot Prize 2021 that is set to take place in London. Vinisha, a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Tamil Nadu, has been recognized for her innovative solar-powered ironing cart, while Delhi-based entrepreneur Vidyut earned his spot through an impressive agricultural waste recycling concept.
About the Earthshot Prize
Launched by Britain’s Prince William in October 2020, the Earthshot Prize serves as a global initiative to discover inspiring and innovative solutions addressing various challenges faced by our planet. Reminiscent of US President John F Kennedy’s “”Moonshot”” program which led to the groundbreaking Apollo lunar missions of the 1960s, the Earthshot Prize intends to similarly pioneer environmental conservation and sustainable living.
The Prize’s Central Theme
The focus of the Earthshot Prize revolves around five “Earthshots,” representing ambitious yet achievable goals aimed at improving life on Earth if realized by 2030. These goals span areas essential for a healthy planet, namely:
1. Protecting and restoring nature
2. Cleaning our air
3. Reviving our oceans
4. Building a waste-free world
5. Fixing our climate.
Awards Ceremony Overview
From 2021 until 2030, the awards ceremony will be hosted annually in various cities worldwide. During each event, five winners will be chosen from the 15 finalists, each representing one of the Earthshots.
Benefits Accrued by Winners
Winners of the Earthshot Prize not only reap the financial rewards but are also provided with a prestigious platform to share their innovative environmental solutions. Their stories will be showcased over a decade, potentially leading to mass adoption, replication, and scaling of their unique solutions. Moreover, the prize money of 1 million pounds will go towards supporting environmental and conservation projects agreed upon with the winner.
Eligibility Criteria
The Earthshot Prize is open to a diverse range of individuals, teams, or collaborations, including scientists, activists, economists, community projects, among others. What’s essential is that they make substantial contributions towards achieving the Earthshots.
Management of the Earthshot Prize
Apart from the Prize Council, the Earthshot Prize is backed by its Global Alliance. This alliance comprises a network of organizations worldwide sharing the common goal of repairing our planet, further strengthening the overall management and impact of the prize.
The Earthshot Prize represents an important global initiative in spotlighting and promoting innovative solutions towards environmental conservation and sustainability for future generations. Whether it’s through a young schoolgirl’s solar-powered ironing cart or an entrepreneur’s waste recycling concept, the prize underlines how everyone has a role to play in safeguarding our planet.