The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, awarded annually, in the amount of 1 million euros, aims to recognise people, groups of people and/or organisations from all over the world whose contributions to mitigation and adaptation to climate change stand out for its novelty, innovation and impact.
Humanity today faces a severe and unprecedented climate crisis with devastating consequences for people, nature and the economy. This was the statement with which we launched the call to action in the first year of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, at the beginning of 2020.
Two years have passed and both the climate impacts already occurred as well as scientific projections lead us to a not very encouraging reality, placing the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity at the top of the challenges for this and the next generations, with serious consequences that go beyond the environmental level, such as chronic and infectious diseases, water and food shortages, migration, destruction of infrastructures, loss of livelihoods and abrupt breaks in several economic activities.
The past seven years have been the hottest so far and extreme weather events often reach new records in number and intensity across the globe, such as extreme droughts, fires, heat waves, floods or storms.
More infoThe 3rd edition of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity highlights the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s commitment to urgent climate action. Notably, it seeks to speed up the transition to a carbon neutral society, to mitigate the negative effects of climate change for people, the environment and the economy, and to promote a society that is more resilient and better prepared for future global changes and to protect the most vulnerable in particular.
This initiative strives to draw attention to and leverage large-scale climate action responses, helping to speed up the process of decarbonising the global economy, protecting people and natural systems from severe effects associated to climate change and supporting sustainable development.
Nominations CALL CONDITIONS FAQThe Jury is composed by personalities of internationally recognised reputation in scientific, technological, political and cultural realms, with renowned merit in matters related to mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Winner of the 1st Edition
Winner of the 2nd Edition
The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity will be focused on the recognition of accomplishments and contributions to solve the climate crisis. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation considers any potential recognition areas that can contribute to mitigate and/or adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Reduction or prevention of greenhouse gas emissions or the increased absorption of already emitted GHG. The mitigation actions require, for example, the use of new technologies, clean energy sources, reducing deforestation or restoring natural ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and changes in consumer behaviors.
Reducing the negative consequences of climate change by taking measures to prevent or minimize impacts that can no longer be avoided, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events and food insecurity, with actions that include technological measures, nature-based solutions and behavioral changes.
