Prince William Sends A Personal Message To Mark The Start Of The Global Climate Conference

Prince William continues to make saving the environment a priority. One year ago he founded The Earthshot Prize, which according to its website, offers a cash prize to environmentalists with ambitious planet-saving projects. Over 10 months, more than 750 nominees from around the globe were narrowed down to 15 finalists who virtually attended a ceremony held at London's Alexandra Palace. Along with Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, Sir David Attenborough, Emma Thompson and Emma Watson were also in attendance, while Ed Sheeran and Coldplay performed (via Harper's Bazaar).

"I want to say something to the young watching tonight," Prince William said during the ceremony. "For too long, we haven't done enough to protect the planet for your future, the Earthshot is for you. In the next 10 years, we are going to act. We are going to find solutions to repair our planet. Please keep learning, keep demanding change, and don't give up hope. We will rise to these challenges."

During the ceremony, five winners were announced, with each receiving £1 million to fund their environmental efforts. Prince William also revealed the exciting news that the Earthshot Prize ceremony would be held in the United States in 2022.

The Earthshot Prize is just the beginning of Prince William's dedication to helping the environment. He will be attending the UN's climate change summit, COP26, in Glasgow, along with the 15 finalists of the 2020 Earthshot Prize. "#COP26 is a landmark moment for the future of our planet — I'm proud that our @EarthshotPrize Finalists will be joining me in Glasgow to show the world that there is reason to be optimistic," the prince tweeted." I'm hopeful about what can be achieved."

While in Scotland, William and his father, Prince Charles, will host a reception for the finalists at Clydeside Distillery (per Express). Charles has already expressed his appreciation for all of his son's hard work. "I am very proud of my son, William, for his growing commitment to the environment and the bold ambition of The Earthshot Prize," Charles said (per People). "As a world, we need to come together to inspire, reimagine and build the sustainable future we so desperately need."

Although he has spent the past 50 years advocating for environmental causes, this is the first time Prince Charles has been invited to the summit. He will address world leaders, including President Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin of Russia, and Xi Jinping of China, urging them to "translate fine words into still finer action" (per the Daily Mail).