Do you want to advertise on The Daily Pod or Nuusflits? Contact [email protected].
The Earthshot Prize 2024 ceremony took place in Cape Town on Wednesday evening. The event celebrated five innovative solutions to the world’s biggest environmental challenges. Founded by Prince William and the Royal Foundation, the prize awards £1 million (about R22.7 million) to help scale solutions that repair the planet.
This year’s winners came from diverse backgrounds and regions, but all share a common goal: tackling climate change, protecting nature, and improving the health of our oceans, air and communities. Here are the five winners.
The five winners of the Earthshot Prize 2024
1. Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (US) – Fix Our Climate
The winner in the Fix Our Climate category was Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (ATS). ATS has developed technology that captures waste heat from heavy industries like cement and steel production. This heat is typically wasted, but ATS converts it into electricity. This innovation can help reduce global CO2 emissions by saving gigatonnes of carbon.
2. High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (Global, 120 countries) – Revive Our Oceans
Next, the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People won in the Revive Our Oceans category. This alliance, made up of 120 countries, aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. By connecting governments with funding and expertise, the coalition is accelerating global conservation efforts.
3. Keep IT Cool (KIC) (Kenya) – Build a Waste-Free World
Keep IT Cool (KIC) from Kenya won in the Build a Waste-Free World category. KIC installs solar-powered cold storage units for small-scale farmers and fishers. This reduces food spoilage and waste, ensuring that more food reaches markets. It also supports local economies, cutting waste and boosting livelihoods.
4. Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative (Kazakhstan) – Protect and Restore Nature
The Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative won for Protect and Restore Nature. This organization has successfully saved the critically endangered Saiga antelope and restored Kazakhstan’s Golden Steppe. Their efforts have turned one of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems into a global model for conservation.
5. Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) (Ghana) – Clean Our Air
The winner of the Clean Our Air category, Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO), uses a “Zero Waste Model” to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Ghana. By improving waste management practices, GAYO is helping communities cut harmful open burning. Their work also creates green jobs and empowers youth and women in local communities.
A shared vision for a sustainable future
Prince William praised the winners for their impactful work. He said, “The Earthshot Prize exists to champion the game-changers, the innovators and the leaders who are solving our planet’s biggest challenges.” He added that these solutions offer hope and demonstrate a sustainable future is possible.
These five Earthshot Prize winners are proof that change is happening. Their solutions—from technology to community-driven efforts are making a real difference. With the £1m prize, they are now ready to scale their work and create a lasting impact for future generations.
Also read: Different shoes for different exercises.
