The Prince of Wales is set to arrive in South Africa tomorrow to officially launch Earthshot Week in Cape Town, leading up to the highly anticipated fourth annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 6 November, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Also read: Earthshot Week: Cape Town ready to offer another African first
Africa has been selected as the fourth continent to host the star-studded event, recognising its significant role in climate action and addressing major environmental challenges.
Despite having the lowest emissions and contributing the least to global warming, Africa is the most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Nevertheless, African innovators are harnessing climate solutions to create green jobs, tackle urgent environmental and health issues, and enhance the livelihoods of millions.
Speaking ahead of his visit to South Africa, The Prince of Wales said: ‘Africa has always held a special place in my heart – as somewhere I found comfort as a teenager, where I proposed to my wife and most recently as the founding inspiration behind The Earthshot Prize.
‘It was in Namibia in 2018 that I realised the power of how innovative, positive solutions to environmental problems could drive transformative change for humans and nature.
‘This week we’ll travel to South Africa to spotlight our next cohort of 15 Finalists and have the opportunity to join partners from across Africa to celebrate the inspiring approach to environmental innovation that is taking place across the continent.’
Ahead of the Awards Ceremony in South Africa, the Earthshot Prize has built a robust network to identify top climate innovations across Africa.
Nominations have doubled from 2023 to 2024, with over 400 for African-led solutions and 350 for initiatives impacting the continent.
During Earthshot Week, from November 4th to 7th, these innovators will be celebrated for their contributions to environmental protection.
The five Winners of this year’s Earthshot Prize will be unveiled during the Awards Ceremony on the evening of Wednesday 6 November.
The event will take place in The Earthshot Prize Dome, a purpose-built venue beside Cape Town Stadium using a structure designed and engineered in South Africa, which has been used previously and will be used again for future events in the country.
It is the biggest of its kind in Africa, with a width of 36m, a height of 15.5 metres and a length of 144m, twice as long as a rugby pitch.
The production of the Ceremony has created approximately 650 jobs locally, contributing significantly to Cape Town’s creative industries.
The show will begin with an exclusive performance by Lebo M. of Circle of Life from The Lion King, recorded at the top of Table Mountain—an inaugural performance at this iconic location.
The Awards Ceremony will be broadcast across 50 African countries via Multichoice, on BBC iPlayer in the UK, and globally on YouTube.
For the first time, over 1000 members of the public will join The Prince of Wales, Earthshot Prize Finalists, and special guests, honoured for their community commitment.
Additionally, The Earthshot Prize will host its first livestreamed Green Carpet Event on YouTube, featuring hosts Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Moozlie, focusing on sustainable fashion and encouraging guests to “rewear” outfits or highlight African designers.
Sustainability remains central to the event, with green principles guiding the Ceremony’s development. The City of Cape Town is providing Renewable Energy Certificates from Darling Wind Farm, ensuring that each kWh of electricity used will be matched by locally produced renewable energy.
To celebrate Earthshot Week in South Africa, Table Mountain and other landmarks will be lit green from November 4th to 7th, continuing the tradition from London, Boston, and Singapore. Visitors to Cape Town can also find The Earthshot Prize at the city’s iconic yellow frames, encouraging everyone to appreciate the beauty of Table Mountain.
Additionally, a public exhibition in Sea Point will showcase African climate heroes using their creativity and talent to address global challenges.
Also read:
See what celebs are joining The Earthshot Prize in Cape Town
Picture: WPA Pool / Getty Images
