Prince William lauds Earthshot Prize finalists as ‘heroes of our time’

By Asiye Latife Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Prince of Wales on Sunday praised the finalists of his environmental Earthshot Prize, calling them “heroes of our time.”

Prince William’s annual Earthshot Prize, the awards ceremony for which is set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Nov. 5, seeks to “achieve vital global goals that will improve and secure lives and livelihoods for all of us.”

Established by the prince five years ago, the prize grants £1 million annually to five projects for their innovative environmental solutions.

Nearly 2,500 nominees from 72 countries competed this year, with the winners to be selected by Prince William and the Earthshot Prize Council, which includes actor Cate Blanchett and Jordan’s Queen Rania.

Announcing this year’s finalists, the prince recalled launching the Earthshot Prize five years ago, saying the planet -- “the only home we have” -- needed urgent action as scientists warned of the need for major changes by 2030.

“It is impossible to hear these finalists’ stories, to see the impact they are already having and not feel encouraged by their energy and momentum," he said.

“The people behind these projects are heroes of our time, so let us back them. Because, if we do, we can make the world cleaner, safer and full of opportunity – not only for future generations, but for the lives we want to lead now,” he added.

This year’s Earthshot Prize finalists include participants ranging from a Caribbean nation to small start-ups.

The environmental award is a 10-year initiative, with past ceremonies held in London, Boston, Singapore, and Cape Town.