[132] URGENCY, OPTIMISM AND ACTION WITH JONNIE HUGHES AND THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE

I was very excited towards the end of last year asking if I would like to chat to anyone about Earthshot - a book that addresses the challenges facing the planet and that explores some of the best solutions that exist to turn the tide on the environmental crisis.

Many of you might have heard of the Earthshot Prize - which is an idea that came from Prince William, to encourage innovation and funding of climate solution. Here in the UK, there has been an accompanying TV series, as well as a series on Radio 4, and there was a very glitzy 'green carpet' event to announce the winners for this year that gained lots of media coverage.
 
The book has been co-authored by Colin Butfield and Jonnie Hughes, who are both superstars in the fields of wildlife documentary making and whose studio has produced the likes of Our Planet and A Life on our Planet with Sir David Attenborough. I jumped at the chance to chat to Jonnie, and confess I was a little starstruck to be attempting a sensible conversation with someone who regularly chats to the likes of Prince William and David Attenborough - I hope I didn't embarrass myself too much...

Do have a listen, check out the book and the series, which is still on i-player (and hopefully will stay on there!). I made a point of encouraging the kids to watch this series, as I think it's so important foe them to see the hope. To see the solutions that exist and are in progress, and the army of people who are devoting their lives to finding solutions and creating a brighter future - a lot of climate programming can be overwhelming and anxiety inducing, but this was the opposite.

Enjoy!

• Read the book/watch the TV series/listen to the radio series, and get inspired by all the amazing projects out there!
• Use the book or series as a springboard for an optimistic climate conversation with friends and/or family
• If you've got kids of school age, how about suggesting a school-wide 'Earthshot Prize' competition..!