Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Prince William issued a stark warning that global efforts to address the climate crisis are not progressing quickly enough. He emphasized the need for increased urgency, calling on businesses, investors, and political leaders to amplify proven solutions and scale them up.
The statement coincided with the unveiling of the 2026 Earthshot Prize finalists, the global environmental award established by the Prince of Wales six years ago. Among the 15 selected candidates is Barcelona, recognized for transforming its heavily used Mediterranean coastline into a model for climate adaptation. The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan was also honored for integrating environmental protection into its constitution and demonstrating how national forests can secure water resources across a region.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Mumbai, India, this November. Reflecting this location, two Indian initiatives have been shortlisted: Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, a manufacturer of electric three-wheelers, and the Mahila Housing Trust, which focuses on climate resilience for low-income women. Other finalists include Indigenous ranger teams in Australia and an Argentine artificial intelligence system designed for wildfire detection.
The finalists were chosen from approximately 7,000 nominations submitted by 169 countries. Five winners, one for each Earthshot category—protecting nature, reviving oceans, cleaning air, eliminating waste, and fixing the climate—will receive £1 million each. The selection council includes Prince William, Queen Rania of Jordan, actress Cate Blanchett, and chef José Andrés.
“The solutions are here. The challenge now is scale,” Prince William said. “The progress is real. Now we need to accelerate it.”
This announcement comes during a challenging week for the royal family, following allegations made by Earl Spencer regarding the late Princess Diana. While the Earles’ allegations have drawn media attention, Prince William and the Princess of Wales continue to prioritize their public duties, recently visiting the Isle of Bute to inspect coastal protection efforts. Meanwhile, Prince Harry is undertaking engagements for his Invictus Foundation in the Midlands.
Prince William says the solutions exist, yet governments still drag their feet on scaling them. Hopeful but skeptical.
Love that Barcelona made the list. The city really is a global leader in climate adaptation right now.