Prince William, heir to the British throne, will make his first trip to Brazil in November 2025, bringing the prestigious Earthshot Prize to Rio de Janeiro. The event, scheduled for early November, celebrates innovative solutions to global climate challenges and follows closely on the heels of COP 30, set to take place in Belém, Pará. Rio’s selection as the host city underscores Brazil’s pivotal role in international sustainability efforts, with months of behind-the-scenes coordination between local authorities and British officials ensuring the ceremony’s success.
Focused on recognizing initiatives that tackle the environmental crisis, the Earthshot Prize has already awarded millions of pounds across its previous editions, honoring projects in five categories: nature protection, clean air, ocean revitalization, waste elimination, and climate repair. William’s visit to Brazil, a key player in combating deforestation and preserving the Amazon, marks a significant moment in the global ecological agenda. Preparations included discreet visits by UK representatives to Rio, where logistics and security were meticulously assessed, with details kept under wraps until the official announcement.
The prince’s trip, coming shortly after the climate conference in Belém, has sparked speculation about his potential attendance at COP 30, one of the year’s largest environmental gatherings. At 42, William has emerged as a prominent advocate for ecological causes, and his presence in Brazil is expected to draw worldwide attention, spotlighting both the prize and local efforts to address pressing environmental issues.
Rio de Janeiro hosts global event
Rio de Janeiro will host the 2025 Earthshot Prize, marking the first time the awards ceremony takes place in South America. Known for its natural beauty and history of hosting international events like Rio+20 in 2012, the city is gearing up to welcome Prince William and a delegation of environmental leaders in early November. The ceremony will feature finalists from around the globe, with projects evaluated by a council that includes figures like Queen Rania of Jordan and filmmaker James Cameron.
Brazil’s selection reflects its critical role in climate discussions, particularly as home to the world’s largest tropical rainforest. The Amazon, spanning roughly 60% of Brazilian territory, plays a vital role in regulating global climate by sequestering millions of tons of carbon annually, though it faces growing threats from deforestation and wildfires.
Earthshot Prize drives innovation
Since its inception, the Earthshot Prize has awarded 15 initiatives with 1 million pounds each, totaling over 15 million pounds in funding for environmental projects. The Rio edition will follow suit, announcing five winners during a globally broadcast ceremony. Beyond financial support, the prize offers technical assistance and networking opportunities to finalists, amplifying the reach of their solutions.
Legacy of a visionary award
Launched in 2020 by Prince William, the Earthshot Prize aims to accelerate responses to the climate crisis, drawing inspiration from NASA’s Apollo program that landed humans on the moon. Its debut in London in 2021 honored projects like a carbon-capturing coral technology and a Costa Rican reforestation effort. Subsequent editions took place in Boston in 2022 and Singapore in 2023, with Cape Town hosting in 2024, showcasing its growing international footprint.
Each year, 15 finalists are shortlisted, with five receiving the top prize. In 2024, Cape Town’s event highlighted clean energy technologies and marine ecosystem preservation. For 2025, Brazil was chosen for its strategic biodiversity role, with expectations that local projects will shine. Over 2,000 applications from 130 countries have been reviewed since the prize began, reflecting its global scope.
William’s initiative has also attracted additional investments from private partners, totaling 50 million pounds since its launch. The Rio event continues this legacy, reinforcing the prince’s commitment to environmental action—a cause he inherited from his father, King Charles III, a longtime advocate for sustainability.
COP 30 sets the stage in Brazil
William’s Rio visit follows COP 30, slated for November 2025 in Belém, Pará’s capital. The conference will bring together world leaders to negotiate climate goals, with Brazil hosting at a pivotal moment: the nation aims to strengthen its pledge to curb illegal Amazon deforestation, which dropped 30% between 2023 and 2024 but still saw roughly 5,000 square kilometers lost in the latest year tracked.
The timing of the two events amplifies Brazil’s environmental visibility. Speculation surrounds William’s possible stop in Belém before Rio, though his official itinerary remains unconfirmed. COP 30 is expected to draw over 50,000 attendees, including heads of state and scientists, and the prince’s presence would add symbolic weight to the talks.
Key facts about the Earthshot Prize
The Earthshot Prize stands out with unique features that define its mission. Here are some highlights:
- Lunar inspiration: The name “Earthshot” echoes the “Moonshot” of Apollo 11, symbolizing bold goals for planetary rescue.
- Five categories: Awards span nature protection, clean air, oceans, waste, and climate, with one winner per field.
- Global impact: Since 2021, winning projects have prevented 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions.
- High-profile backing: Alongside William, the council features stars like Cate Blanchett and Shakira, boosting its reach.
These elements underline how the prize blends innovation with visibility to drive tangible change.
Rio ramps up preparations
Organizing the Earthshot Prize in Rio involves close collaboration between Brazilian and British officials, with prior technical visits already conducted. The exact venue remains undisclosed, though locations like the Museu do Amanhã or the Botanical Garden are rumored options due to their environmental symbolism. Security for the prince, a high-profile royal, is a top concern, with specialized teams overseeing every aspect.
The event is poised to boost local tourism, drawing journalists, environmentalists, and visitors. Rio’s status as a global showcase, cemented by events like the 2016 Olympics and Rio+20, will shine once more as it hosts this landmark ceremony.
Prince William’s Brazil itinerary
William’s Brazil visit centers on the Earthshot Prize, with potential additional stops. Here’s the likely schedule:
- Early November: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro for the Earthshot Prize ceremony.
- Preceding days: Possible attendance at COP 30 in Belém, still under speculation.
- Main event: Announcement of five winners, broadcast live worldwide.
The brief yet impactful visit highlights his focus on actionable environmental progress.
Brazil under the global environmental spotlight
William’s arrival casts a spotlight on Brazil at a time of both challenges and strides in ecological efforts. The country holds 12% of the world’s tropical forests and 20% of its freshwater, yet grapples with issues like illegal mining and agricultural expansion. Local initiatives, such as reforesting 2 million hectares of the Atlantic Forest over the past decade, may feature among Earthshot finalists, showcasing Brazil’s potential in the climate fight.
The visit also strengthens Brazil-UK environmental ties. The British government has invested over 500 million pounds in Amazon conservation projects in recent years, and William’s presence could pave the way for further partnerships. Paired with COP 30, the Rio event positions Brazil as a central player in shaping the planet’s future.
Anticipation builds for groundbreaking solutions
Through the Earthshot Prize, Prince William aims to reward scalable ideas with global potential. Brazilian projects, like bioenergy from waste or satellite deforestation monitoring, could stand out among finalists, given the local context. The Rio ceremony will serve as a platform for these innovations, likely attracting investment and inspiring action worldwide.
Set for November, the visit is already mobilizing environmentalists and officials, who see it as a chance to elevate Brazil’s role in conservation. As the date nears, global audiences await the solutions to be unveiled on Rio’s stage.

Prince William, heir to the British throne, will make his first trip to Brazil in November 2025, bringing the prestigious Earthshot Prize to Rio de Janeiro. The event, scheduled for early November, celebrates innovative solutions to global climate challenges and follows closely on the heels of COP 30, set to take place in Belém, Pará. Rio’s selection as the host city underscores Brazil’s pivotal role in international sustainability efforts, with months of behind-the-scenes coordination between local authorities and British officials ensuring the ceremony’s success.
Focused on recognizing initiatives that tackle the environmental crisis, the Earthshot Prize has already awarded millions of pounds across its previous editions, honoring projects in five categories: nature protection, clean air, ocean revitalization, waste elimination, and climate repair. William’s visit to Brazil, a key player in combating deforestation and preserving the Amazon, marks a significant moment in the global ecological agenda. Preparations included discreet visits by UK representatives to Rio, where logistics and security were meticulously assessed, with details kept under wraps until the official announcement.
The prince’s trip, coming shortly after the climate conference in Belém, has sparked speculation about his potential attendance at COP 30, one of the year’s largest environmental gatherings. At 42, William has emerged as a prominent advocate for ecological causes, and his presence in Brazil is expected to draw worldwide attention, spotlighting both the prize and local efforts to address pressing environmental issues.
Rio de Janeiro hosts global event
Rio de Janeiro will host the 2025 Earthshot Prize, marking the first time the awards ceremony takes place in South America. Known for its natural beauty and history of hosting international events like Rio+20 in 2012, the city is gearing up to welcome Prince William and a delegation of environmental leaders in early November. The ceremony will feature finalists from around the globe, with projects evaluated by a council that includes figures like Queen Rania of Jordan and filmmaker James Cameron.
Brazil’s selection reflects its critical role in climate discussions, particularly as home to the world’s largest tropical rainforest. The Amazon, spanning roughly 60% of Brazilian territory, plays a vital role in regulating global climate by sequestering millions of tons of carbon annually, though it faces growing threats from deforestation and wildfires.
Earthshot Prize drives innovation
Since its inception, the Earthshot Prize has awarded 15 initiatives with 1 million pounds each, totaling over 15 million pounds in funding for environmental projects. The Rio edition will follow suit, announcing five winners during a globally broadcast ceremony. Beyond financial support, the prize offers technical assistance and networking opportunities to finalists, amplifying the reach of their solutions.
Legacy of a visionary award
Launched in 2020 by Prince William, the Earthshot Prize aims to accelerate responses to the climate crisis, drawing inspiration from NASA’s Apollo program that landed humans on the moon. Its debut in London in 2021 honored projects like a carbon-capturing coral technology and a Costa Rican reforestation effort. Subsequent editions took place in Boston in 2022 and Singapore in 2023, with Cape Town hosting in 2024, showcasing its growing international footprint.
Each year, 15 finalists are shortlisted, with five receiving the top prize. In 2024, Cape Town’s event highlighted clean energy technologies and marine ecosystem preservation. For 2025, Brazil was chosen for its strategic biodiversity role, with expectations that local projects will shine. Over 2,000 applications from 130 countries have been reviewed since the prize began, reflecting its global scope.
William’s initiative has also attracted additional investments from private partners, totaling 50 million pounds since its launch. The Rio event continues this legacy, reinforcing the prince’s commitment to environmental action—a cause he inherited from his father, King Charles III, a longtime advocate for sustainability.
COP 30 sets the stage in Brazil
William’s Rio visit follows COP 30, slated for November 2025 in Belém, Pará’s capital. The conference will bring together world leaders to negotiate climate goals, with Brazil hosting at a pivotal moment: the nation aims to strengthen its pledge to curb illegal Amazon deforestation, which dropped 30% between 2023 and 2024 but still saw roughly 5,000 square kilometers lost in the latest year tracked.
The timing of the two events amplifies Brazil’s environmental visibility. Speculation surrounds William’s possible stop in Belém before Rio, though his official itinerary remains unconfirmed. COP 30 is expected to draw over 50,000 attendees, including heads of state and scientists, and the prince’s presence would add symbolic weight to the talks.
Key facts about the Earthshot Prize
The Earthshot Prize stands out with unique features that define its mission. Here are some highlights:
- Lunar inspiration: The name “Earthshot” echoes the “Moonshot” of Apollo 11, symbolizing bold goals for planetary rescue.
- Five categories: Awards span nature protection, clean air, oceans, waste, and climate, with one winner per field.
- Global impact: Since 2021, winning projects have prevented 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions.
- High-profile backing: Alongside William, the council features stars like Cate Blanchett and Shakira, boosting its reach.
These elements underline how the prize blends innovation with visibility to drive tangible change.
Rio ramps up preparations
Organizing the Earthshot Prize in Rio involves close collaboration between Brazilian and British officials, with prior technical visits already conducted. The exact venue remains undisclosed, though locations like the Museu do Amanhã or the Botanical Garden are rumored options due to their environmental symbolism. Security for the prince, a high-profile royal, is a top concern, with specialized teams overseeing every aspect.
The event is poised to boost local tourism, drawing journalists, environmentalists, and visitors. Rio’s status as a global showcase, cemented by events like the 2016 Olympics and Rio+20, will shine once more as it hosts this landmark ceremony.
Prince William’s Brazil itinerary
William’s Brazil visit centers on the Earthshot Prize, with potential additional stops. Here’s the likely schedule:
- Early November: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro for the Earthshot Prize ceremony.
- Preceding days: Possible attendance at COP 30 in Belém, still under speculation.
- Main event: Announcement of five winners, broadcast live worldwide.
The brief yet impactful visit highlights his focus on actionable environmental progress.
Brazil under the global environmental spotlight
William’s arrival casts a spotlight on Brazil at a time of both challenges and strides in ecological efforts. The country holds 12% of the world’s tropical forests and 20% of its freshwater, yet grapples with issues like illegal mining and agricultural expansion. Local initiatives, such as reforesting 2 million hectares of the Atlantic Forest over the past decade, may feature among Earthshot finalists, showcasing Brazil’s potential in the climate fight.
The visit also strengthens Brazil-UK environmental ties. The British government has invested over 500 million pounds in Amazon conservation projects in recent years, and William’s presence could pave the way for further partnerships. Paired with COP 30, the Rio event positions Brazil as a central player in shaping the planet’s future.
Anticipation builds for groundbreaking solutions
Through the Earthshot Prize, Prince William aims to reward scalable ideas with global potential. Brazilian projects, like bioenergy from waste or satellite deforestation monitoring, could stand out among finalists, given the local context. The Rio ceremony will serve as a platform for these innovations, likely attracting investment and inspiring action worldwide.
Set for November, the visit is already mobilizing environmentalists and officials, who see it as a chance to elevate Brazil’s role in conservation. As the date nears, global audiences await the solutions to be unveiled on Rio’s stage.
