With prize money of one million euros, Ecosia is calling for the establishment of a Climate Nobel Prize – setting an example that goes beyond symbolic politics. The initiative closes a key gap in the global recognition system and positions climate protection where it belongs: at the center of international attention.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo: Ecosia
Ecosia, Europe’s largest non-profit search engine, has provided prize money of one million euros for a new Climate Nobel Prize. The funds were notarized by the founders, Christian Kroll and Wolfgang Oels, and handed over to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences as an official proposal.
Ecosia is thus addressing an obvious gap in the global recognition system: despite the increasing urgency of the climate crisis, there is still no award that puts outstanding achievements in climate and environmental protection on the same level as Nobel Prizes for Peace, Literature, or Science.
Strong impetus for climate protection
The initiative is in line with the company’s long-term mission. Since 2009, Ecosia has been reinvesting all profits in climate and biodiversity projects. Over 240 million trees planted and a large number of renatured ecosystems demonstrate the impact. The establishment of a Climate Nobel Prize is a logical continuation of this strategic direction.
A Climate Nobel Prize could change the global perception of real climate impact. Nobel Prizes shape debates and generate international attention. Applied to climate protection, this would give a stage to pioneers who often work without structural support. At the same time, such a prize could set a much-needed quality signal: an independent, scientifically based benchmark that clearly distinguishes effective approaches from greenwashing.
Impact with long-term potential
If the prize becomes a reality from 2026, it could focus investments, research, and political priorities more on impact-oriented climate projects. Above all, however, it would give climate protection the cultural and institutional significance that its urgency deserves. Ecosia’s initiative has the potential to permanently shape global climate governance.
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