Scaling Climate Action: Key moments from the 2024 Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit

Opening Remarks: Innovation and Opportunity

Michael R. Bloomberg, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, kicked off the summit with an inspiring speech. As a global advisor to the Earthshot Prize winners, he emphasized that innovation is not only a solution but also a path to transforming lives.

He highlighted how “the same innovations that will reduce carbon pollution will improve people’s lives and strengthen our economies.” His words resonated with a key theme: human ingenuity can create a sustainable world.

Scaling Solutions: The Need for Speed and Impact

A major focus of the summit was the pressing need to scale up climate solutions. In a thought-provoking panel, Earthshot Prize Finalists Orianna Bretschger, Aquacycl, and Aadith Moorthy, Boomitra, joined Water.org co-founders Gary White and actor-activist Matt Damon to discuss accelerating impact.

Matt Damon shared Water.org’s remarkable journey, growing from reaching one million people in 2012 to 69 million today. He reflected, “Had we stuck with traditional charity models, drilling wells, it would have taken us 600 years to get where we are now.”

Financing the Future: Climate Investment

Another key conversation was between Mark Carney, UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance, and Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua, on one of the biggest challenges in addressing climate change: funding. They explored how we can ensure capital flows into climate solutions on a large scale, emphasizing the role of private investment and public policy in driving climate action.

Oceans and Nature: Reviving Essential Ecosystems

Throughout the day, speakers turned their attention to two of Earth’s most vulnerable ecosystems: oceans and nature on land.

Rocky Sanchez Tirona of 2023 Finalist Coastal 500 and UNESCO Champion Maya Gabeira shared both personal and professional stories to stress the urgent need for ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries. Their message was clear: reviving the oceans isn’t just an environmental issue, but vital for sustaining livelihoods.

Then followed a TED-style talk from Tom Crowther of 2021 Finalist Restor, who shared his vision of “restoration done right.” He stressed that true restoration is sustainable, biodiverse, and regenerative. In a world where nature is often sacrificed for short-term profits, Tom reminded the audience that restoration can, and should, be a profitable solution.

Insights from The Earthshot Experts

During a special “Ask the Experts” segment, Earthshot Prize Chair Christiana Figueres introduced two new members of the Earthshot Prize Council, Wanjira Mathai and José Andrés, alongside Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and now an Earthshot Prize Trustee.

Jacinda Ardern’s words were powerful: “Politicians are not the only players on the field. Every single person in this room, regardless of how fast governments are moving, can still make a difference.”

Looking ahead to the Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town this November, Wanjira Mathai passionately spoke about Africa’s vital role in solving the climate crisis. She stated, “The world will not address its climate and development goals if we do not unleash the promise of Africa’s climate solutions,” highlighting the importance of global partnerships.

African Innovation: A Catalyst for Change

Africa’s potential took centre stage as NBA star Joel Embiid, Masai Ujiri, Co-Founder of Giants of Africa, and South African broadcaster Bonang Matheba discussed the continent’s opportunities.

Joel Embiid, sharing his own story, urged the audience to believe in their potential. “I wasn’t supposed to be here, but I put the work in,” he said, linking his journey to the drive and ambition of African innovators.

A Call to Action: Hannah Jones’ Closing Remarks

As the summit wrapped up, Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones delivered an inspiring closing speech. She encouraged both new and previous Finalists to continue pushing boundaries, affirming that “creatives and changemakers” like them are essential to fixing the planet, one solution at a time.

Rewatch the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit on LinkedIn and discover more about the 2024 Finalists and their solutions.