Rio de Janeiro — For the first time, the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony was hosted in Latin America, with the 2025 edition taking place on 5 November at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro. The event marked a historic milestone, reinforcing Brazil’s central role in the global climate agenda as home to the Amazon Rainforest and nearly a fifth of the world’s biodiversity.
A Global Stage for Environmental Innovation
Founded by Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize awards £1 million each to five winners whose projects offer scalable solutions to the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges. This year’s finalists included initiatives in clean energy, waste reduction, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable agriculture.
Symbolism of Rio de Janeiro
Hosting the ceremony in Brazil carried deep symbolism. The Amazon is often described as the “lungs of the Earth,” and Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow provided a fitting backdrop for a prize that seeks to inspire hope and innovation for future generations.
Challenges and Context
The ceremony unfolded against a tense backdrop: just days before Prince William’s arrival, Brazil experienced violent police raids in Rio that left over 130 people dead. This juxtaposition of tragedy and celebration highlighted the complex realities of hosting global events in regions grappling with social and security challenges.
Cultural and Global Resonance
The 2025 awards night featured performances by international stars such as Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes, alongside Brazilian icons, blending cultural celebration with environmental advocacy. The event drew leaders, innovators, and activists from around the world, reinforcing the Earthshot Prize as a nexus of science, culture, and diplomacy.
Looking Ahead
Prince William described the winners as “true action heroes,” urging the world to embrace urgent optimism in the fight against climate change. As the prize continues to rotate globally—after London, Boston, Singapore, and Cape Town—the Rio edition underscored the importance of regional leadership in shaping global environmental solutions.
