William and Kate announce their most ambitious project to date: A plan to save the planet

Cape Town - "The earth is at a tipping point and we face a stark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve," said William,the Duke of Cambridge, in a statement on New Year’s Eve.

"People can achieve great things. The next ten years present us with one of our greatest tests - a decade of action to repair the Earth,” with these words the prince launched the royal family’s most ambitious project to date, titled Earthshot Prize. 

The royals will be awarding a prestigious prize to 5 winners per year over 10 years. Through this, and the winners' work, William and Kate hope to be able to provide at least 50 solutions to the world’s greatest problems by 2030. 

An annual awards ceremony will take place in different cities across the world each year between 2021 and 2030.

According to The Mirror the prize "could be awarded to individuals, teams or collaborations – scientists, activists, economists, leaders, governments, banks, businesses, cities, and countries – anyone who is making a substantial development or outstanding contribution to solving environmental challenges".

As well as a significant financial award, winners will receive huge public recognition for their work.

WATCH THE ANNOUNCEMENT HERE:

A statement on the Earthshot Prize’s website read: "The challenges will be a chance for everyone’s voice to be heard, we want to motivate and inspire a new generation of thinkers, leaders and dreamers."

In what is set to be a ‘super year’ for the environment with crucial summits including the Convention on Biodiversity in China and the COP26 Climate Change Conference in the UK, the royal family will unveil a small number of Earthshot challenges in special events around the globe.

These challenges will seek answers to the biggest issues currently facing the planet, including: climate and energy, nature and biodiversity, oceans, air pollution and fresh water.

Compiled by Herman Eloff