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Prince William has urged the world to come together “at a pivotal moment in human history”, to save the planet from climate change and environmental destruction. The Prince of Wales today joined world leaders in the city of Belem, “at the heart of the Amazon”, imploring them to recognise “a moment that demands courage, cooperation and unwavering commitment to our planet’s future” Following the culmination last night of his Earthshot Prize awards in Rio de Janeiro, William travelled with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to north east Brazil for the start of the COP30 climate conference. In a speech written in conjunction with his father the King, William warned of environments in crisis, and communities around the world threatened with extinction. “All of us here today understand that we are edging dangerously close to the earth’s critical tipping points…thresholds beyond which the natural systems we depend on may begin to unravel,” he said. “The melting of polar ice, the loss of the Amazon, the disruption of ocean currents… these are not distant threats. They are fast-approaching and will affect every one of us, no matter where we live. “Communities around the world are already facing rising seas, extreme heat, wildfires, floods, droughts, and increasing frequency of extreme weather.” William, 43, asked those gathered what type of world they were prepared to leave for the next generation. The future king spoke of his visit with the Princess of Wales to Pontypridd in Wales in February, to support towns dealing with the aftermath of devastating floods. And he told of the impacts of huge environmental disasters around the world, threatening the way of life for communities who once thrived and now in peril due to climate change. I met families who had lost their homes, their possessions, and their sense of security. “One resident told me how the river that once brought life to the town had become a source of fear. Their resilience was deeply moving. It was also a powerful reminder that climate change is not a distant threat. It is affecting lives across the UK, and across the world, from small towns to major cities, from coastal communities to inland regions. No corner of the globe will be unaffected. “These impacts pose risks to growth, security, and wellbeing in all countries. But we know that these risks often fall hardest on those who contributed least to the crisis. This demands urgent, coordinated action. “We must ask ourselves, what legacy do we wish to leave? Because the impact of all our choices will be felt by us all around the world, in the safety of their homes, the stability of their livelihoods, and the health of the natural world that sustains us all.” After being welcomed this week to Brazil, touring the city of Rio and travelling to the tiny island of Paqueta, to hear of efforts to restore vital ecological systems, William spoke of the optimism of seeing people coming together to find solutions. And he praised his father for inspiring him following his lifelong committment to the environment. “When we unite behind shared purpose, we can scale and accelerate solutions that transcend borders. Solutions that give us hope, and fill us with optimism, for the future,” he said. “I have long believed in the power of urgent optimism: the conviction that, even in the face of daunting challenges, we have the ingenuity and determination to make a difference, and to do so now. I grew up with my father – The King – talking about the power of nature and the importance of harmony in the natural world. A subject he has championed for over five decades. It is a privilege to also represent him here today, as well as everyone else who has championed this cause, for so many years.” William has this week visited indigenious communities, spent time with groups of children already engaged in conservation and celebrated the 15 finalists of his pretegious Earthshot Awards, with five of them winning £1million grants to upscale their innovative planet saving ideas. He said: “The time for partnership, protection, and progress is now. We know what is at stake. We know what must be done. And we know that no country, no community, no individual can do it alone. “Our children and grandchildren will stand on the shoulders of our collective action. Let us use these inspiring surroundings here in the heart of the Amazon to rise to meet this moment, not with hesitation, but with courage. Not with division, but with collaboration. Not with delay, but with decisive commitment.” William today will be taking part in several events with local children while in Belem before departing on Friday afternoon. As he concluded his speech to appleause from the room, he said: “Let us honour the leadership of those who have long protected the planet – Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities – and walk forward together. Let us build a future where nature is valued, and where every child inherits a world of prosperity, not peril. Let us rise to this moment with the clarity that history demands of us. Let us be the generation that turned the tide—not for applause, but for the quiet gratitude of those yet to be born. “This, here at COP30, is our moment. Let us not waste it. Our children and grandchildren are watching, and hoping.”
