**Trump Faces Criticism Over Climate Stance as Prince William Honours Earthshot Innovators**
Prominent political and environmental figures gathered in London this week for a high-profile Earthshot Prize event, marking the city’s annual Climate Action Week. Amidst the celebration of groundbreaking eco-innovations, criticism was directed at former US President Donald Trump’s record on climate policy, heightening discussion about the role of global leadership in environmental protection.
The Prince of Wales played a central role at the event, meeting the 2024 cohort of Earthshot Prize finalists. The Prince, a passionate advocate for environmental causes, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and creative individuals. He emphasised that tackling pressing global challenges requires unified effort: “We all need to work together to fix the problems affecting our planet,” he stated, underscoring the multifaceted approach required to drive substantial change.
During the proceedings, Prince William spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming Earthshot Prize awards in November, to be held in Rio de Janeiro. He commended Brazil for its energy and positivity towards sustainable practices, noting, “The vibrancy and enthusiasm of the Brazilian people truly exemplify what can be achieved through sustainable innovation.” William’s comments highlighted the critical role of host nations in shaping the conversation around environmental progress.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and his counterpart from Rio, Eduardo Paes, participated in a panel discussion, where Paes pointedly addressed the significance of local governments in furthering climate objectives. Without naming Trump directly, Paes referred to past decisions made by US leadership: “We saw what happened in the United States during the last administration when national commitment wavered. Without the ongoing determination of local governments, real progress would have stalled significantly.” His remarks echoed concerns raised when Donald Trump moved to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement in 2017, a pivotal moment that drew widespread international criticism.
Former New York Mayor and business magnate Mike Bloomberg, a key advisor to Earthshot Prize winners, hosted the event in London’s financial district. Bloomberg offered a guardedly optimistic outlook, though he acknowledged shortcomings in American leadership regarding climate action. “There are serious problems globally, and, in my view, the US has not shouldered its fair share of the burden recently. Yet, I remain hopeful for the future.” Bloomberg’s comments reinforced the sentiment that collaborative leadership remains essential, especially when national policies fall short.
This year’s Earthshot awards ceremony is set to take place at Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow, a leading science and technology venue, on 5 November. The event will celebrate innovative projects that have excelled in five critical categories: Protect and restore nature; Clean our air; Revive our oceans; Build a waste-free world; and Fix our climate. Prince William, who founded the award, expressed pride in the scale of progress seen through the Earthshot initiative.
Among those recognised was Kenyan entrepreneur Francis Nderitu, whose company Keep IT Cool employs solar-powered refrigeration to minimise agricultural waste. Speaking with the Prince, Nderitu credited the prize for boosting his company’s international profile and visibility. The Earthshot Prize, he noted, had already generated heightened awareness for solutions emerging from across the globe.
During a group session, Prince William emphasised that the Earthshot Prize encompasses far more than climate change alone. “This is about all aspects of sustainability—reducing waste, tackling plastic pollution, restoring ocean health and ensuring cleaner air,” he remarked. The Prince further detailed the collective achievements made by finalists to date: the restoration of 170,000 square kilometres of land and sea, the sequestration of 420,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, and tangible benefits reaching more than 4.4 million people worldwide.
Australian conservationist Robert Irwin, acting as an Earthshot ambassador, addressed the intersection of environmental advocacy and politics. “Those working to protect the planet cannot ignore the influence of politics,” Irwin stated. He called on policymakers and businesses alike to create incentives and shared vision, insisting that only a united push from all sectors would secure meaningful progress against climate change.
The Earthshot Prize event thus not only celebrated innovative environmental achievements, but also highlighted the ongoing need for steadfast political and civic leadership worldwide. As Prince William looks ahead to the awards in Rio, the call for cross-border commitment to the planet’s future remains as urgent as ever.