Prince William has praised environmental innovators as the “world’s true action heroes”, describing them as the role models we need “in these uncertain times” at his Earthshot awards in Rio.
Joined on stage by four young people from Brazil at his annual ceremony, William explained his motivation to set up the prize, saying of the finalists: “Their stories are the inspiration that gives us courage.”
“And there’s a great deal we can learn from their determination and their vision for scale,” he added.
“As well as their unyielding belief that we can create a better world. It’s no exaggeration to say that they are the world’s true action heroes.”
For the fifth year of his environmental prize, which sees five innovators or entrepreneurs awarded £1m each, he was joined by singers Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes performing at the ceremony.
‘When we unite, we are unstoppable’
While the awards have been his focus for the first three days of his trip to Brazil, he will travel to Belem tomorrow for COP30, the UN’s climate conference.
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Acknowledging the sense of pessimism around the climate debate, exacerbated by recent global turbulence he said: “I understand some might feel discouraged in these uncertain times.
“I understand there is still so much to be done. But this is no time for complacency, and the optimism I felt in 2020 remains ardent today.”
In a call to action, he added: “The issues that continue to face our world are a threat to all of us, but when we unite, our momentum is unstoppable.”
He then called on the young people, part of the Mini COP programme, to tell the audience their hopes for the future.
Earlier in the day, the prince had spoken at another Earthshot event about how he does everything he can to reassure his own children that the planet will be looked after.
Kylie hails the eco-motion
Speaking to Sky News ahead of her performance, Kylie hailed the awards as an “incredible initiative”.
“I’m really excited to see everyone,” she told Sky News. “There’s amazing people doing incredible things, so it’s good to be here.”
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The spectacular show, also featuring some of Brazil’s biggest stars, was designed to hook in a global and multigenerational audience.
Fortunately for Prince William and his team, it also hasn’t been overshadowed this week by any significant new developments or revelations about his uncle Andrew, who only a week ago was stripped of his remaining honours and titles, and it was announced he would also be moving out of his home Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.
