To open the evening, Alec Baldwin said, “I have been a longtime advocate for climate action. And it is so thrilling to be here at a moment when the change we so desperately need finally seems to be within reach. It is encouraging to see political will catching up to what the science and community voices have been telling us for years – climate change is happening and we need decisive action. Many prizes are awarded to individuals – the Equator Prize, however, is about collective action and community achievement. It is about people coming together to address common challenges. The winners we will meet tonight are real heroes and we’re here to celebrate and honor them and their communities.”

In her opening remarks, Helen Clark said, “Climate change affects all of us—rich and poor, developed and developing, urban and local. It is truly an all-of-society concern that requires an equally all-of-society approach. The people and groups here tonight have shown that action and innovation against climate change can and does happen at all levels, and this should be encouraged, supported and scaled up.” Clark also announced the launch of a new Equator Initiative publication, “Climate Solutions from Community Forests: Lessons from Indigenous and Community-Based Forest Management.” The book, which can be downloaded here, is based on the lessons learned from previous Equator Prize winners in protecting, restoring and sustainably managing forests.