Fresh thinking

Bubbles that take plastic out of rivers. A plan to turn CO2Carbon dioxide. into rock. Carbon-zero concrete and seaweed packaging. Some of the ideas on the Earthshot Prize shortlist.

The prize is inspired by President JF Kennedy's 1962 "moonshot". He promised to put people on the moon by 1970. Over ten years, Earthshot is supporting technology to solve Earth's greatest problems.

Each year, we put eight million tonnes of plastic into the ocean and over 30 billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.¹

Without action at the climate talks in Egypt, the UNUnited Nations. An intergovernmental organisation based in New York that aims to maintain international peace and security. warns, "we will be doomed". But Prince William says these projects are "reasons to be optimistic".

His words come after a UN report said we will miss the target of keeping global warming below 1.5C of pre-industrial levels.

Ecologist Roland Geyer argues the solution is "unavoidable": ban fossil fuelsFuels made from decomposing plants and animals, including coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels release carbon dioxide, causing global warming.. Other scientists say we should use existing technology: public transport, home insulation and meat-free protein.

So is innovation a waste of money? Prince William says the finalists are "leaders and visionaries" using their "time, energy, and talent" to save the planet.

For example, Amsterdam plans to be the world's first city to recycle all waste. "We need to redesign the way we work, live and consume", says programme manager Rene Koop.

Last year, David AttenboroughAn English broadcaster and natural historian known for his wildlife documentaries. said: "It's too late to avoid climate change." It is already here. But that does not mean it is too late to act.

A UN report says 2C would be much worse than a 1.5C rise. So anything we can do to limit global warming will help save the world.

On 16 July 1969, humans first walked on the moon. There will be no exact moment to call Earthshot a success. But scientists say we are in the "critical decade" when ideas must be put into action.

Yes: Inventions like steam power led to the Industrial RevolutionA period of sudden, rapid industrialisation that transforms a country from an agricultural to an industrial economy.. We need a new age of invention to start a green revolution.

No: We must change how we live now and not wait for science to save us from ourselves.

Or... Simply, we do not know. Inventors take risks and often fail. Many ideas will go nowhere. But one invention might change everything.