Five groundbreaking projects were chosen as winners of the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize at a prestigious event in Cape Town, South Africa, on Tuesday.
The ceremony highlighted environmental innovators pushing the boundaries of sustainability, with each winner receiving £1 million to scale their efforts.
The five winners, selected from 15 finalists, showcased innovative solutions targeting the planet’s most pressing environmental issues.
Each project aligned with one of the prize’s five pillars: climate change, ocean revival, waste management, ecosystem protection and air quality.
In the climate category, US-based Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems earned recognition for its technology that converts industrial waste heat into electricity, which could significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in high-heat industries like cement and steel. ATS CEO Kelly Adams called the prize “a key moment” as the company ramps up production.
The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, representing 119 countries, won in the ocean revival category for its role in the “30×30” initiative, a global effort to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. Director Rita Maria El Zaghloul celebrated the alliance’s progress and vowed continued dedication toward this ambitious goal.
In Kenya, Keep IT Cool tackles food spoilage with localized, solar-powered refrigeration, helping farmers and fishers extend the shelf life of their goods.
KIC’s founder, Francis Nderitu, said the prize will fuel expansion plans across East Africa, helping address food waste and improve market access for small producers.
The Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative received accolades for its work in Kazakhstan, where it helped save the endangered Saiga antelope from extinction. The project’s success in restoring the Golden Steppe was hailed as a conservation triumph. Executive Director Vera Voronova emphasized the partnership between government and civil society in achieving lasting ecological impact.
In Ghana, the Green Africa Youth Organization stood out for its Zero Waste Model, which promotes sustainable waste management and income generation for communities. Co-founder Desmond Alugnoa called the prize recognition “a testament to community-driven solutions” with plans to scale their approach across Africa.
Prince William, a founder of the Earthshot Prize, praised the winners, stating, “Our world can be rich in possibility, in hope, and in optimism,” emphasizing the prize’s role in elevating leaders and innovators.
The winners were chosen by a distinguished Earthshot Prize Council led by Dame Christiana Figueres, former architect of the Paris Agreement. They included public figures such as Queen Rania of Jordan, Sir David Attenborough and Indra Nooyi.
Alongside financial awards, each finalist will participate in a year-long Earthshot Prize Fellowship, connecting them with expert mentorship and investment opportunities.
As Earthshot looks forward to 2025, the prize nomination process for the next round of environmental solutions is underway.
