Former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has offered her support for her “friend” Prince William and his work to help the environment.
The 45-year-old is a Trustee of The Earthshot Prize, and praised the Prince of Wales for his “relentless optimism.”
Dame Jacinda reflected on the Earthshot Prize’s five-year journey after it was launched in October 2020.
The politician revealed: “Over the past five years, I’ve seen my friend, Prince William, shape The Earthshot Prize into something incredible. His relentless optimism and unwavering quest to raise expectations have set the tone.
Dame Jacinda Ardern has praised Prince William’s work with The Earthshot Prize
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“He reminds us that, when it comes to the challenges facing our planet, our job isn’t to give in to despair. It is to lead – with hope, optimism, urgency and solutions.
“Optimism is not naive; it’s a choice that says we expect better and we expect more. It’s a choice that we all need to make. If you are undecided – if you are sitting there on the optimism fence – I urge you to hear the story of The Earthshot Prize.
“I have learned, from my home country of New Zealand, my travels and my academic life overseas, how important it is to find and listen to voices from every corner.”
Dame Jacinda praised the focus that the Earthshot Prize has on making practical solutions for climate change issues.
She continued: “What I admire most about The Earthshot Prize is its commitment, since the very beginning, to search our planet for the voices and ideas that are practical solutions to our greatest problems. Because that is the only way we’ll solve this – together, with every voice and every perspective.
Dame Jacinda Ardern is a Trustee of The Earthshot Prize
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“The Earthshot Prize’s ambition for the next five years is astonishing; and let’s be honest, we all need more astonishing in the climate space right now. I cannot wait for Rio and all the inspiration it will bring, as we’re reminded of the innovative progress being made by so many.
Prince William, who is making his first official trip to Brazil revealed before he set off: “As I depart for Rio de Janeiro, I am excited for my first visit and to experience Brazil’s vibrant culture, its extraordinary biodiversity, and above all, the warmth of its people.
“With the world’s eyes turning to Brazil this week, there is no better place to celebrate bold climate leadership.
“Hosting The Earthshot Prize allows us to not only recognise those driving change, but to be inspired by them. When we work together with optimism and courage, a more sustainable future is within our reach.”
He also spoke to Hello ahead of the winner being announced on Wednesday, saying: “As a father, I think constantly about the world my children will inherit. I want them to grow up surrounded by nature, opportunity and a sense of hope about the future.
“But I also know that unless we act boldly now, that future is at risk. The Earthshot Prize is about turning the tide, about proving to our children that we are willing to fight for their tomorrow.
Prince William is heading to Brazil for The Earthshot Prize
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“Urgent optimism is the heartbeat of The Earthshot Prize. It’s the belief that although the challenges we face are immense, the solutions are within reach and we must act with speed and conviction to bring them to life.
“It’s not blind hope. It’s hope backed by evidence, by ingenuity and by the courage of those who refuse to give up on our planet.”