Prince William’s commitment to addressing climate change has garnered recognition from Bijal Brahmbhatt, the director of the Mahila Housing Trust. In her recent remarks, Brahmbhatt described the Prince of Wales as a significant “thought leader” in the environmental sector, noting his influence in catalysing urgent action to combat climate issues.
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The Mahila Housing Trust, which is currently a finalist in the ‘Fix our Climate’ category of the Earthshot Prize, focuses on creating sustainable living conditions for low-income households in India. Their initiative involves the application of affordable reflective roof coatings that can reduce indoor heat by up to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, while also advancing climate risk insurance products designed to safeguard women’s incomes.
Brahmbhatt expressed her gratitude for Prince William’s support, stating, “One of the taglines of the Earthshot Prize is urgent optimism, and I truly believe that the prince has generated this urgent optimism and translated it into transformative action that is gravely needed.” She also praised him for being a pivotal figure in the environmental landscape, particularly for empowering the women that the Mahila Housing Trust aims to support.
The organisation has been working with low-income women for over three decades, launching initiatives to promote economic independence and alleviate poverty. Brahmbhatt elaborated on the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable communities, noting that climate change has exacerbated conditions for women engaged in informal work. She remarked, “In many Indian slums, women live in homes with tin roofs that trap heat inside, making their living conditions unbearable.”
Research conducted by the Mahila Housing Trust indicates that many of these women experience an indoor temperature that can exceed outdoor heat levels by nearly 42 degrees Fahrenheit. This challenging environment significantly affects their ability to work, with estimates suggesting they lose approximately 23% of their annual income due to heat-related productivity issues. Given that their average yearly earnings hover around $1,000, these losses have serious implications for their overall economic stability and ability to rise above poverty.
Since being named an Earthshot Prize finalist, the Mahila Housing Trust has experienced an increase in visibility, which Brahmbhatt described as “absolutely amazing.” Although their application for the 2024 awards did not advance to the next stage, Brahmbhatt remains optimistic about the positive attention brought to their work. She believes that Prince William’s backing will encourage greater government and private sector involvement in sustainable initiatives.
Looking ahead to the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony set for November 17 in Mumbai, Brahmbhatt expressed excitement at being part of such a significant event, especially as it takes place in her home country. “India is gaining international recognition for its exciting innovations, and I hope this recognition will inspire more local philanthropists to contribute to sustainable sectors,” she stated.
During a previous discussion with 2026 Earthshot Prize host Karan Johar, Prince William conveyed that his deep admiration for the award winners fuels his passion for the initiative. “Talking to them for just ten minutes reveals their unwavering dedication and the brilliance of their ideas,” he said, highlighting the importance of fostering innovative solutions in response to environmental challenges.
The Earthshot Prize, established by Prince William in 2020, aims to uncover impactful environmental innovations over a decade, addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the planet. To date, the initiative has identified over 5,600 emerging solutions from more than 150 countries. Each of the prize winners will receive funding worth $1.3 million to help accelerate the development and implementation of their innovative ideas, thereby contributing to the collective effort to save the planet.
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