Earthshot looks to Africa for climate solutions

CAPE TOWN - Africa's climate innovations have taken centre stage at Earthshot Week in Cape Town.

Leading global eco-champions are in the city this week for the fourth annual Earthshot Prize ceremony on Wednesday evening.

The gathering is the brainchild of Britain’s Prince William and nature historian David Attenborough.

It's the first time the green event is being held in Africa.

The Earthshot Council has set ambitious targets and a rigid timeline to achieve its climate goals.

And it’s looking to the African continent for the answers.

READ: 15 climate champions in running for prestigious Earthshot Awards in Cape Town

"By 2030 we need to have protected 30% of all oceans, land and fresh water. And we need to reduce carbon emissions by over 40%. Some of that will come because we’re scaling solar and renewables; things we know. But a lot of it is going to come from solutions that haven’t yet been invented," said Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones.

More than 400 nominations for green innovations came from the continent.

For the first time, the gathering features a mentorship programme for young climate leaders from Africa and Asia.

"We need an innovation, creativity movement. And that’s going to come from young people," said Jones.

Three of the 15 finalists competing for the £1 million (R22,8 million) prize pot are sustainable ideas in ocean conservation and solar energy, ready for rollout in Africa.

Earthshot Prize winners will be announced at a gala event in Cape Town on Wednesday.