This year’s Earthshot Prize winners have been revealed, celebrating pioneering projects from around the world dedicated to solving climate and environmental challenges. The prestigious ceremony, launched by Prince William in 2020, concluded in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing global attention to innovation and real solutions for repairing the planet. What is the Earthshot Prize? The Earthshot Prize exists to champion individuals and organisations presenting inventive answers to some of the world’s greatest problems, such as waste management, energy use, and protection of endangered species. Recipients are awarded not only recognition, but also financial support to help bring their ideas to a larger audience and scale up their impact. Spotlight on This Year’s Winners Winners in 2023 included a variety of inspiring initiatives. Their projects address a wide range of issues, from protecting vulnerable wildlife, like the saiga antelope, to preventing wasted energy and handling rubbish effectively. One highlighted winner is the Green Africa Youth Organization, an organisation dedicated to encouraging sustainable behaviour and fostering cleaner communities across Africa. The Power of Assembly and Classroom Discussion Primary schools are embracing the Earthshot Prize as a starting point for assembly and classroom discussions. Teachers are encouraged to display posters depicting winners and discuss what students observe. Questions might include, “What do you see in the image?”, “Why is protecting the planet important?”, and “How can young people join in Generation Earthshot?” Encouraging Young Participation Through activities like Generation Earthshot, young people worldwide are being engaged to think about their own potential for change. Schools are using resources to explore each of the five Earthshot goals, prompting students to reflect on which is most important to them and how their small daily actions can contribute to bigger solutions. Small Actions Make a Big Difference Teachers highlight that even minor actions, such as recycling, turning off lights, or picking up litter, can accumulate into substantial change. Students are encouraged to think of other simple activities—that, when multiplied, can lead to a healthier planet. Activities to Promote Sustainability Engaging primary students in hands-on projects further strengthens their understanding of environmental stewardship. Classroom suggestions include: Creating a ‘Helping Hands for Earth’ display, where students contribute ideas and pledges for the planet. Hosting an ‘Earthshot Actions’ exhibition, where students bring objects or drawings that represent positive environmental contributions. Planning an event to celebrate local families and individuals who have made a difference for the environment, including setting up categories, application forms, and even award ceremonies. Exploring Earthshot Goals and Global Impact Using resources and world maps, students research where each of the Earthshot Prize winners are based and discuss collective international efforts, such as the High Ambition Coalition targeting protection of global land and oceans by 2030. This gives students a sense of the interconnectedness of environmental actions and inspires a sense of collective responsibility. Reflections on Responsibility and Action The Earthshot Prize teaches that while everyone must do their part, global collaboration is essential. The key formula “Urgency + Optimism = Action” prompts classrooms to reflect on the need to act swiftly but with hope. Students are encouraged to share and celebrate even the smallest steps they take at home or school to help repair the world. Taking the Next Steps As students learn about the achievements of Earthshot Prize winners, they become more aware of how individual and collective efforts add up. Activities empower them to realise the world’s well-being is everyone’s responsibility—and every action counts toward shaping a better future. Ready to explore more and join the conversation? Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
