Leading voices have joined the call for the Nobel Committee to launch a dedicated climate Prize.
The Nobel Committee is under pressure to recognise the “greatest crisis of our time” by creating a Prize dedicated to climate change.
Revered for being one of the highest achievable accolades in history, the Nobel Prize is currently limited to just six categories: Physics, Chemistry, Peace, Literature, Economics, and Physiology or Medicine.
Winners receive a cash prize of around €1 million, along with other perks including a unique diploma and gold medal. However, amid the growing threat of climate change, calls for recognising environmental breakthroughs are getting stronger.
Ecosia offers €1 million to launch a Climate Nobel Prize
Now, tree-planting search engine Ecosia is urging the Royal Swedish Academy of Science, which is responsible for selecting the Nobel Prize laureates in physics, chemistry and economics, to launch the first-ever Prize in Climate and Planetary Health next year.
The company has deposited €1 million with a notary in Berlin, which is being reserved solely to help create the endowment for the prize. It says it is also open to funding a “long-term foundation” or sharing funding with other organisations “committed to climate justice” so that climate solutions can maintain their place in the Nobel family of prizes.
In a statement sent to Euronews Green, Ecosia clarified it does not want any influence over nominations or laureates.
Instead, the award would follow the same principles that govern the Economics Prize today, where committee members select eligible candidates who have been nominated.
What would a Nobel Prize in Climate and Planetary Health look like?
Ecosia says the proposed prize aims to honour individuals, collectives or companies who have made “significant strides” in climate innovation, mitigation, regulation or advocacy.
“How we adapt to the climate crisis will define humanity,” says Ecosia’s CEO Christian Kroll.
“We believe that through the expertise and prestige the Royal Swedish Academy of Science and the Nobel Committee bring, this new prize will spotlight, reward and inspire the groundbreaking innovations and dedicated individuals who are working tirelessly to ensure our survival for generations to come."
How likely is a climate-dedicated Nobel Prize?
There have been no added categories to the Nobel Prize since 1968. This is when the Economics Science Prize was introduced, in memory of the award’s original creator Alfred Nobel.
However, leading climate voices are arguing that the need for a global stage that elevates climate action should no longer be ignored.
“An award for climate and planetary health would encourage people worldwide to build solutions, improve policy and mobilise communities to take action,” says climate activist Luisa Neubauer.
“It’s long overdue for the Nobel tradition to finally recognise the greatest crisis of our time.”
Andreas Huber of the German Association of the Club of Rome has also backed the campaign. “The original Nobel idea – to honor the greatest benefit to humanity – applies today above all to those who protect the foundations of our existence,” he says.
Prominent Brazilian indigenous leader Álvaro Tukano echoed this sentiment, arguing that the world’s most prestigious awards need to finally recognise the “most dramatic problem facing the planet.”
Euronews Green has contacted the Nobel Foundation for comment.
