Dutch Startup's $250M Project Dreams Big to Ignite Climate Action

Child and globe with landmarks, climate action concept.

A Bold Initiative to Inspire Climate Action

Shift, a Dutch startup led by tech entrepreneur Don Ritzen, announced plans to create a monumental landmark aimed at galvanizing action on climate change. Named the "New World Wonder," this ambitious project will not only serve as an eye-catching structure but also as a beacon of hope, education, and innovation in sustainability.

Architectural Competition: A Call for Vision

In an effort to bring this vision to life, Shift has launched an international architecture competition with a prize pool of €250,000. This competition invites architects from around the globe to submit their designs, with the expectation that creativity and innovative thinking will lead to a landmark that truly embodies the spirit of climate action. With judges from prestigious institutions, including Ben van Berkel of UNStudio, the stakes are high, and the world is watching.

A Hub for Sustainability Education

But what will this world wonder actually look like? According to Shift's proposal, it will incorporate immersive experiences that not only engage visitors visually but also stimulate all their senses. The space will feature stories of "climate heroes" and provide an extensive digital platform where individuals can learn about thousands of green initiatives aimed at combating climate change.

Financing the Future

With an estimated cost of up to $250 million, Shift has laid out a comprehensive financial roadmap, including potential ticket sales starting at €20 per person. This revenue model positions the monument as a sustainable endeavor, blending education with income generation to maintain ongoing operations.

Community Involvement and Ownership

Further bolstering its social enterprise model, Shift offers residents of the location where the monument is built the option to become co-owners. This unique approach not only fosters local buy-in but also ensures the monument remains a community-focused project.

A Glimpse into the Future

With a clear mission and a passionate team, the New World Wonder aims to attract an impressive one million visitors annually. More importantly, it seeks to ignite a movement for long-lasting behavioral changes in how we approach sustainability.

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