Move is hailed by Sir David Attenborough as ‘the most prestigious environment prize in history’

This article is more than 8 months old

This article is more than 8 months old

Prince William has announced what was described as “the most prestigious environment prize in history” to encourage new solutions to tackling the climate crisis.

The “Earthshot prize” will be awarded to five people every year over the next decade, the Prince said on Tuesday, and aims to provide at least 50 answers to some of the greatest problems facing the planet by 2030.

They include promoting new ways of addressing issues such as energy, nature and biodiversity, the oceans, air pollution and fresh water.

The prize, inspired by US president John F Kennedy’s ambitious “Moonshot” lunar programme and backed by Sir David Attenborough, promises “a significant financial award”, a statement said.

The Duke of Cambridge, a grandson of the Queen and second in line to the throne, said the Earth was “at a tipping point” and faced a “stark choice”.

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“Either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve,” he said. “Remember the awe-inspiring civilisations that we have built, the life-saving technology we have created, the fact that we have put a man on the moon. People can achieve great things.

“The next 10 years present us with one of our greatest tests – a decade of action to repair the Earth,” he said.

Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) "The earth is at a tipping point and we face a stark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve." — The Duke of Cambridge @EarthshotPrize pic.twitter.com/SfGaKY9qsG

The award, which will be launched later in the year and bestowed from 2021, is open to individuals as well as communities and businesses.

It has the support of conservation campaigners, groups and scientists, including the veteran British natural history broadcaster Attenborough.

“The spirit of the Moonshot can guide us today as we confront the serious challenges we face on Earth,” Attenborough said in a film to mark the launch. “This year Prince William and a global alliance launch the most prestigious environment prize in history ... designed to motivate and inspire a new generation of thinkers, leaders and dreamers to think differently.”

Both Prince Charles and Prince Philip have campaigned for environmental causes and against the illegal trade in wildlife around the world.

William is hoping to build on their work through the prize, which will initially be run by his and his wife’s own charitable foundation.