Continuing, he added, "Remember the awe-inspiring civilizations 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 ten years present us with one of our greatest tests—a decade of action to repair the Earth."
A statement from Kensington Palace said that Prince William is passionate about dispelling the current pessimism around the environment and is striving to "replace it with fresh optimism and action." The project, which has been in the works for more than a year, will reward progress across all sectors of industry and society and could be received by scientists, activists, economists, leaders, governments, banks, businesses, cities, or even countries.
Sir David Attenborough – who has a long-standing relationship with the royal family – announced the initiative in a film, saying, "The Earthshot Prize. A global prize designed to motivate and inspire a new generation of thinkers, leaders and dreamers to think differently. Visionaries rewarded over the next decade for responding to the great challenges of our time."
The official launch date for the project will be later this year, where the challenges and guidelines of the prize will also be announced. An annual awards ceremony will take place in different cities each year between 2021 and 2030.
