Sir Richard Branson

Sir Branson is an entrepreneur’s entrepreneur. In the 70s he founded The Virgin Group, a conglomerate that has spanned more sectors than any other, from Music Publishing, to Fashion, Railways, Commercial Aerospace, and of course his latest resume addition - private astronaut.

And with his economic success, Sir Richard has largely dedicated his life to bringing powerful thinkers together for the cause of helping Humanity and our planet at his legendary Necker Island.

Among so many powerful charitable contributions, on 9 February 2007, Branson announced the setting up of a new global science and technology prize—The Virgin Earth Challenge—in the belief that history has shown prizes of this nature to be catalysts for technological advancements that benefit mankind. The Virgin Earth Challenge was to award $25 million to the individual or group who are able to demonstrate a commercially viable design that will result in the net removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases each year for at least ten years without countervailing harmful effects. This removal must have long-term effects and contribute materially to the stability of the Earth's climate. Branson also announced that he would be joined in the adjudication of the prize by a panel of five judges, all world authorities in their respective fields: Al Gore, Sir Crispin Tickell, Tim Flannery, James E. Hansen, and James Lovelock.

These and other efforts are the reasons why The Circle of Dolphins is glad to call Sir Richard Branson, one of us.