Aquacycl has just been selected as one of 3 finalists for The Earthshot Prize for the Fix Our Climate Earthshot for 2023. This is an amazing recognition for the work that we are doing today, and for our mission of Sanitation for All.

In Case You Didn’t Know…

The Earthshot Prize was founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2020. It is the world’s most prestigious environmental prize that celebrates and champions innovators focused on solving our most pressing global climate challenges, with over 1,100 nominations received this year. The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year.

The Fix Our Climate Earthshot focuses on solutions that will help combat climate change through removal of carbon from the atmosphere and build for a carbon-neutral economy.

Each of the Finalists will be in the running to receive one of five £1 million prizes awarded at the third-annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Singapore later this year.

We are honored to be considered alongside the 14 other finalists, a group of amazing, inspirational changemakers that are bringing new solutions to alleviate the biggest climate, water and waste challenges that we face.

The World Needs These Solutions Now More Than Ever

We are excited and humbled about the prize, the network and support that it brings, but also for the impact that Aquacycl can have and for the recognition that water (and in particular wastewater) is being viewed as critically important to addressing climate challenges.

Most people don’t recognize the fact that the way wastewater is treated today actually generates more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire shipping industry. And we’re only treating 20% of the global volume. That means that we would require a massive increase in greenhouse gas emissions to bring water quality to acceptable levels globally. Unfortunately, we can’t afford it. We can’t afford to continue releasing untreated water to the environment, harming the ecosystem and human health. And we can’t afford the carbon emissions to treat all wastewater with current technology.

Humanity doesn’t have time to waste, and bringing new solutions, new ideas, new models is critical now and over the next few years. It is not enough to talk about the problems and the disasters that are unfolding around us. We need to act.

The technology that Aquacycl has developed helps companies and communities to take action, bringing treatment that can simultaneously increase the proportion of treated water and still allow us to meet our climate goals. We are committed to bringing new technologies that change the way we manage wastewater globally. Moving from carbon intensive wastewater treatment, where the majority of wastewater is discharged without treatment, to a world where water quality doesn’t harm the ecosystem or human health. Where wastewater is viewed as a resource and all nutrients and energy are recovered, leaving clean water that alleviates water scarcity. Where people recognize that water is infinitely recycled, and we value and reuse as much as we can. Where people have access to safe and reliable sanitation and clean water, regardless of where they live. Where companies, governments, NGOs, technology partners are collaborating and making decisions based on the human and environmental impact, not only bottom-line.

Over the past six years, Aquacycl’s journey has taken us into new industries, brought us new clients, expanded into new markets, and brought us many friends and supporters. Thank you to all our friends that have believed in us during this journey, and to the friends and advocates that we have yet to meet.

The recognition of Aquacycl as a finalist for The Earthshot Prize is a recognition of what is possible if we act together. 

We are giving Earth our best shot, but this effort can’t be done alone. So we ask you, why do you give Earth its best shot?