Brazil to Host the 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards in Rio de Janeiro

Prince William has officially announced that the 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards will take place in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020 by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, is an ambitious global initiative aimed at discovering, celebrating, and scaling innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. This highly anticipated event not only places Brazil on the global stage for environmental leadership but also aligns with the country’s growing commitment to sustainability and innovation. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as Brazil also prepares to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), further cementing its role as a key player in the global climate dialogue.

Launched in 2020 by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, the Earthshot Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious environmental initiatives. Designed to discover and scale the most impactful solutions to repair the planet, the awards celebrate visionaries who are tackling climate change, preserving biodiversity, and creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Bringing the 2025 ceremony to Rio de Janeiro is a symbolic and strategic move. As one of South America’s most iconic cities, Rio represents a diverse intersection of nature, culture, and resilience. The location underscores the importance of including the Global South in climate conversations and empowering countries like Brazil to lead on environmental innovation.

Brazil’s Green Ambitions on the Global Stage

The decision to host both the Earthshot Prize and COP30 in Brazil signals the country's renewed emphasis on environmental stewardship. Brazil is home to the Amazon rainforest—often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth”—and plays a critical role in global climate stability.

By welcoming international events that highlight sustainability, Brazil is not only showcasing its natural resources but also its potential to drive change through policy, innovation, and grassroots efforts. The 2025 Earthshot Prize will serve as a global platform to spotlight Brazilian-led climate solutions and collaborations.

Anticipation is already building for the Rio edition of the Earthshot Prize. The event is expected to attract world leaders, innovators, activists, and celebrities who are passionate about the planet’s future. With the scenic backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana Beach, the ceremony promises to be both visually stunning and deeply inspiring.

Prince William emphasized that this year’s Earthshot will focus heavily on inclusion, calling for more voices from underrepresented regions and communities in the global climate conversation. This inclusive vision mirrors Brazil’s own cultural richness and environmental diversity.

A Defining Year for Climate Action

With the dual spotlight of the Earthshot Prize and COP30, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Brazil and global climate action. These events represent an opportunity not just to celebrate progress, but to forge new partnerships and accelerate the innovations needed to heal the planet.

As the world turns its eyes to Rio, one thing is clear: Brazil is ready to rise as a leader in environmental transformation—and the 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards will be a celebration of that bold future.