Europe is making waves in the fight against climate change! Three European start-ups have been selected as finalists for The Earthshot Prize, a prestigious global award established by Prince William to recognize and support innovative climate solutions. These finalists, representing the UK and France, are tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
NatureMetrics
from the UK is a finalist for its revolutionary approach to biodiversity monitoring. They utilize environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, which involves collecting DNA traces from air, land, and water samples, to provide a comprehensive picture of the living organisms in an environment. Unlike traditional methods that require capturing and analyzing individual species, eDNA technology allows for a broader and more efficient assessment of biodiversity. This data can be used by businesses to understand their environmental impact, track their progress towards sustainability goals, and make informed decisions that align with environmental regulations and scientific best practices. NatureMetrics is already working with over 500 companies in 104 countries, including MSC Cruises, WWF, and Anglo American, demonstrating the wide-ranging potential of their technology.Another UK-based finalist,
MiAlgae
, is tackling the unsustainable practices within the aquaculture industry, specifically the overfishing of wild fish for fishmeal and oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for both fish and human health, and currently, farmed fish are often fed fish oil derived from large quantities of wild-caught fish. This has led to a decline in wild fish stocks, with around half of all fish caught being used for fishmeal and oil. MiAlgae offers a sustainable alternative by growing nutrient-rich microalgae using a patented fermentation process and by-products from whisky distillation. This plant-based source of omega-3s can be used as a direct replacement for fish oil in aquaculture feed, reducing the demand for wild-caught fish and promoting a more sustainable fishing industry.In France,
Ferment-Up by Green Spot Technologies
is making a significant contribution to reducing food waste. Their technology uses dry fermentation to transform discarded fruit and vegetable skins and seeds into highly nutritious ingredients. This process not only reduces food waste but also lowers water usage and emissions, contributing to a more sustainable food system. Ferment-Up is repurposing food waste into valuable products, such as cereal grains from brewery leftovers being used as cocoa powder and chocolate replacements, apple offcuts from the juice industry being fermented into a thickening agent, and tomato pomace being transformed into an umami-rich texturiser. With the global population set to reach 9.3 billion by 2050, tackling the 1.3 billion tonnes of food produced annually that goes to waste is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainability.These three European finalists are showcasing the ingenuity and commitment of the continent to environmental innovation. Their efforts to address biodiversity loss, sustainable aquaculture, and food waste reduction are vital steps towards creating a more sustainable future for our planet. The winners of The Earthshot Prize will be announced on November 6th, and these European finalists are strong contenders for the coveted £1 million prize. The world is watching with anticipation to see how these innovative solutions will shape a more sustainable future.
