Bonnie Wright, known for her role in the Harry Potter series, is encouraging young minds to contribute ideas that could potentially save the planet for future generations. In collaboration with Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, Wright, 33, aims to spark creativity in children to address global challenges. Partnering with the renowned British children’s show Blue Peter, the new competition seeks to inspire kids to believe in the importance of their ideas.
Describing the initiative, Wright explains, “It gives young people a sense of inclusion, showing them their voices and ideas matter.” The program targets children aged 5-15, focusing on harnessing their imaginations and highlighting important environmental issues.
Wright’s collaboration with Blue Peter aims to inspire the next generation to focus on creative and practical solutions for a sustainable futureKids are invited to submit their solutions for one of five Earthshot challenges: Fix Our Climate, Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, and Build a Waste-Free World. “I’m excited to see the innovative ideas that come through,” Prince William, 42, expressed during the initiative’s launch on September 6.
Wright, who runs the environmental platform Go Gently, has found renewed inspiration through her son, Elio Ocean, who turns one on September 19. She observes that her son’s interaction with nature has deepened her awareness of its importance.
“Seeing how he engages with nature highlights why it’s crucial for us, as adults, to be proactive and conscious,” Wright says. The Earthshot Prize will announce its $1.3 million award winners at a ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, this November. Although Wright won’t be attending, she looks forward to following the event from afar.
Wright reminisces about meeting Prince William back in 2013 when he, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry visited the Harry Potter Studios in London. She fondly recalls being on ‘Diagon Alley’ during the visit.
She commends Prince William’s environmental leadership, noting, “It’s inspiring to see him use his platform to raise others and their ideas.”
Growing up in London, Wright fondly remembers watching Blue Peter and is thrilled to reconnect with it. “It was a major source of inspiration for me and my brother, reflecting creativity and current issues,” she adds. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a habit of generating new ideas, which helps focus on solutions and empowers people.
The Earthshot Prize, which grants annual awards for innovative solutions in five key areas, aligns with the Blue Peter competition’s goals. Wright highlights the dual approach to tackling environmental challenges, whether by reducing pollution or improving air quality.
Reflecting on her early career, Wright notes, “I was just nine when I began with Harry Potter, stepping into a whole new world.” She hopes that current auditionees can fully enjoy their journey and anticipates that their experiences will be transformative.