The world’s focus turns to Brazil as Prince William’s Earthshot Prize welcomes supermodel and environmental advocate Gisele Bündchen to its esteemed council, signaling a powerful new chapter for global climate action and innovation.
A significant collaboration is set to unfold in Brazil, bringing together royalty and a global icon for an urgent environmental mission. Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and Brazilian supermodel and fervent environmentalist Gisele Bündchen are joining forces on the prestigious Earthshot Prize Council. This alliance marks a pivotal moment for the awards program, which is dedicated to finding and scaling solutions to the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The announcement of Bündchen’s appointment comes as the Earthshot Prize awards prepare for their first-ever Latin American ceremony. This year’s highly anticipated event will take place in Rio de Janeiro on November 5, 2025, a location that holds special significance given Bündchen’s deep roots and extensive environmental work in her home country.
Gisele Bündchen: A Natural Choice for the Earthshot Council
At 45 years old, Gisele Bündchen brings a wealth of experience and a passionate voice to the Earthshot Prize Council. She is notably the first Brazilian to be granted a seat on this influential body. Her long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy aligns perfectly with the prize’s mission to highlight innovative ideas for a healthier planet. Bündchen expressed her honor in joining, stating, “Protecting nature has always been close to my heart, and I’ve seen the power of the global communities coming together and supporting innovation to create real change.”
The council is a distinguished assembly of global changemakers, and Bündchen will be in excellent company. Her fellow council members include:
- Conservationist Sir David Attenborough
- Actress Cate Blanchett
- Chef José Andrés
- World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Together, this diverse group will play a crucial role in selecting the next recipients of the prestigious awards, with a judging session led by Dame Christiana Figueres, chair of The Earthshot Prize and architect of the Paris Climate Accord, according to People.
The Earthshot Prize: A Beacon of Hope for Global Solutions
Founded by Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize aims to inspire urgent action to protect and restore our planet. The initiative awards five £1 million prizes each year to innovative projects that address challenges across five “Earthshots”: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate. The prize has quickly grown into one of the world’s most influential environmental accolades, shining a light on solutions that inspire hope and transformation.
Following the awards ceremony in Rio, Prince William, 43, will continue his environmental engagement by attending the UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil, on November 6, 2025. This visit underscores the global importance of the discussions and actions being taken to combat climate change, with Brazil playing a central role.
Bündchen’s Enduring Legacy of Environmental Activism
Gisele Bündchen’s role on the Earthshot Prize Council is a culmination of decades of dedicated environmental work. Her advocacy extends far beyond her public persona, demonstrating a profound personal commitment to protecting nature. “Every action matters big or small and together we can nurture change to protect the planet we call home,” she shared, emphasizing her belief in collective effort. “I’m proud to represent Brazil in sharing these stories with the world.”
Her past and ongoing initiatives highlight her holistic approach to environmentalism:
- Clean Water Project: Alongside her family, Bündchen initiated this project in her home region of southern Brazil to ensure access to clean water.
- UN Environment Program: She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for the United Nations Environment Program, focusing on critical areas such as climate, nature, pollution, and sustainable development. More details can be found on the UNEP official website.
- Reforestation and Regenerative Agriculture: Bündchen has actively supported programs aimed at reforestation and promoting sustainable farming practices across the world.
- Wildlife Protection Schemes: Her efforts also extend to safeguarding wildlife and their habitats.
- Luz Foundation: Established in 2007, her Luz Foundation supports a broad range of causes, including women’s and children’s welfare, education, health, and environmental protection. In recent years, the foundation has specifically focused on protecting Brazil’s diverse ecosystems, including the Amazon, Cerrado, Caatinga, Mata Atlântica, Pampa, and Pantanal, along with its coastal marine habitats. Learn more about their work at BrazilFoundation.
Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, lauded Bündchen’s involvement, praising her “unique record of leadership and environmental progress.” He emphasized that her “passion and commitment to the environmental movement in Brazil and beyond, and her dedication to amplifying solutions will be invaluable to our mission,” adding that her “voice, leadership and dedication, will inspire everyone to keep building the future we all want for people and the planet.”
A Royal Perspective: William’s Recent Challenges and Continued Dedication
Beyond his environmental duties, Prince William’s recent years have also seen him navigate significant personal challenges. In a candid interview for Eugene Levy’s Apple TV+ series, “The Reluctant Traveler,” William reflected on a particularly difficult period. While discussing the fragility of life, he shared insights into how unexpected health crises within his family had impacted him. He opened up about the diagnoses of cancer for both his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and his father, King Charles.
In his conversation with Levy, William stated that “’23-’24 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” acknowledging that “life is sent to test us and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.” His wife, the Princess of Wales, announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and confirmed she was cancer-free by September 2024, remarking that “the last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family.” King Charles, 76, also received a cancer diagnosis in February 2024 and continues to undergo treatment.
Despite these personal trials, Prince William’s unwavering commitment to the Earthshot Prize and its environmental mission remains steadfast. His journey to Brazil exemplifies his dedication to addressing global environmental issues, even amidst profound personal challenges, reinforcing the urgency and importance of the work being done to protect our planet.
