Prince William just added a supermodel to his eco-army.
Gisele Bündchen is bringing her runway glamour to William’s high-profile environmental project. The Brazilian supermodel and philanthropist is joining the council of the Earthshot Prize, the global awards program that celebrates bold ideas tackling the planet’s biggest challenges.
Bündchen will join a dream team that reads like a who’s who of global changemakers: broadcaster and conservationist Sir David Attenborough, actress Cate Blanchett, chef José Andrés and World Trade Organization director-general Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She also becomes the first Brazilian to take a seat on the council — perfect timing as this year’s awards land in Rio de Janeiro on Nov. 5.
Prince William, 43, will attend several Rio events surrounding the ceremony before heading to the UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil, on Nov. 6.
Prince William in Cape Town, South Africa during Earthshot Prize week Nov. 2024.
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The Earthshot Prize aims to spotlight inspiring, innovative solutions to some of the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges, awarding prizes across five key areas. The shortlist for this year was announced on Oct. 4.
Gisele Bündchen will join a judging session led by Dame Christiana Figueres, chair of The Earthshot Prize and architect of the Paris Climate Accord. Bündchen said she was “honored” to take part in William’s mission.
“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,” she said in a statement.
“Every action matters big or small and together we can nurture change to protect the planet we call home. The Earthshot Prize shines a light on solutions that inspire hope and transformation, and I’m proud to represent Brazil in sharing these stories with the world,” she continued.
Gisele Bündchen in Switzerland in April 2024.
Harold Cunningham/Getty
Bündchen has a longstanding history of advocating for the environment. She and her family created the Clean Water Project in southern Brazil, where she was born. She has also been part of initiatives focused on wildlife protection, reforestation and regenerative agriculture, and has worked to raise awareness of the UN Environment Program.
Prince William talking with youth leaders in Cape Town, South Africa, during Earthshot Week in Nov. 2024.
Chris Jackson/Getty
The supermodel also founded the Luz Foundation, which supports projects uplifting women and children, as well as initiatives in education, health, and the environment. In recent years, the foundation has focused on protecting Brazil’s diverse ecosystems—including the Amazon, Cerrado, Caatinga, Mata Atlântica, Pampa, Pantanal—and its coastal marine habitats.
Welcoming her to the council, Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, praised Bündchen for “her unique record of leadership and environmental progress. Her passion and commitment to the environmental movement in Brazil and beyond, and her dedication to amplifying solutions will be invaluable to our mission.”
“Her voice, leadership and dedication, will inspire everyone to keep building the future we all want for people and the planet,” he said.