Prince William, the Prince of Wales, is calling for urgent action on climate change and biodiversity loss, stressing that the United Nations must take serious steps to address these critical threats to the planet. The heir to the British throne delivered a passionate message via video link to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, highlighting the importance of reversing environmental damage within the next few years.
During his address, William pointed out the alarming reality that “one million species face extinction,” urging world leaders to make good on promises made during the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal, Canada. He stressed that immediate action is required if humanity is to avert disastrous consequences for the environment.
“We now have just five years to deliver on our collective promise,” William told the assembly, referring to the global goal of halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. He framed the current situation as an existential crisis, saying, “The loss of these precious ecosystems is the most pressing existential threat we face.”
The prince’s remarks come at a time when global biodiversity is being eroded at an unprecedented rate. Scientists estimate that the planet is losing species 1,000 times faster than the natural extinction rate due to human activity, habitat destruction, and climate change.
“If we are to keep this planet livable for our children and grandchildren, we must act urgently,” William said. He emphasized that protecting rivers, oceans, forests, and other vital ecosystems is crucial, along with supporting the communities that live in harmony with these environments. “We must act to save our rivers, oceans, savannas, mangroves and forests, as well as the communities that protect and live alongside them,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Prince William also unveiled the 15 finalists for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, an award he founded to incentivize and support innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The award is named after President John F. Kennedy’s ambitious “moonshot” goal to land a man on the moon in the 1960s, with William hoping to inspire similarly bold efforts to “repair and regenerate” the Earth.
The Earthshot Prize recognizes groundbreaking ideas and technologies that have the potential to protect and restore the environment. From the 15 finalists announced, five will receive a $1.3 million prize each to expand their initiatives and maximize their impact on the planet.
William’s commitment to environmental causes has been a central focus of his public life. He has consistently championed sustainability and has used his platform to elevate pressing environmental issues, including through his work with the Earthshot Prize. His address to the UN General Assembly represents a continued effort to galvanize world leaders into action, reminding them that the clock is ticking on efforts to protect the natural world.
As the prince noted in his speech, “If we do not act now, the future of our planet and the well-being of future generations will be in peril.” His call to action is clear: the time to act is now, and the responsibility lies with both governments and global citizens to ensure a livable future for all.
