In a village in Western India, women are using simple yet effective technology to transform their lives and help farmers process excess or lower quality crops. This innovation is part of the Earthshot Prize, a prestigious award founded by Prince William in 2014 to find and scale up innovative solutions to the world’s environmental challenges. Asia, particularly the Asia-Pacific region, has been recognized as both highly vulnerable to climate change and a hub of innovation and sustainability initiatives.
The impact of climate change is felt every day by Indian farmers and many others across the Asia-Pacific. The region is home to multiple low-lying coastal cities exposed to flood and typhoon risks, as well as extreme heat, humidity, and rainfall variations. However, amidst these challenges, Asia has also become a breeding ground for innovative ideas and projects aimed at tackling the rapidly changing climate.
One of the Earthshot Prize winners, S4S Technologies from India, is creating a new food ecosystem that reduces wastage and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. By utilizing simple dryers, farmers can transform excess or low-quality crops into valuable products, increasing their profits while mitigating environmental harm.
Another winner, GRST from Hong Kong, is preparing for the global transition to electric vehicles by developing eco-friendly lithium-ion batteries. Their technology minimizes emissions and toxic chemicals during production and ensures easy recycling, thereby reducing the need for future mining. This innovation not only contributes to cleaner air but also supports the global shift towards renewable energy sources.
WildAid, a winner in the “Revive our Oceans” category, is working with communities and governments in China, the Philippines, and Palau to combat illegal fishing activities and protect marine ecosystems. Their efforts include modifying fishing nets to prevent the capture and drowning of sea turtles, thus safeguarding marine biodiversity.
Aadith Moorthy, founder of Boomitra, another Earthshot Prize winner, focuses on improving agricultural practices to enhance soil health and maximize crop diversity. Inspired by a tragic incident where a farmer took his own life due to crop failure, Moorthy’s organization works with farmers around the world, aiming to scale up their impact and address the challenges posed by climate change.
The enthusiasm for innovation and problem-solving was evident among the Earthshot Prize participants and trustees. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern emphasized the importance of action and hope in the climate space, which the finalists and winners of the Prize provide abundantly.
Christina Figueres, who played a key role in the Paris Climate Agreement negotiations, highlighted the need to bring Earthshot to Asia, as the region leads the world into the future. With rapid population growth and increasing energy demands, the Asia-Pacific region showcases brilliant and disruptive efforts to address environmental challenges.
Prince William expressed his hopes that the Earthshot Prize would evolve into a global movement and that governments would actively engage in green sectors to facilitate effective climate change mitigation. The winners and finalists of the Prize serve as a powerful reminder that ingenuity and the ability to inspire change exist in every corner of our planet.
By recognizing and amplifying the successes of individuals and organizations in Asia and across the globe, the Earthshot Prize aims to catalyze further innovation and create a momentum towards a sustainable and resilient future for all.
