Prince William urges Brits to ‘show leadership’ and save the planet from base of 1,000-year-old oak tree
PRINCE William spoke about saving the planet while sitting on the base of a 1,000-year-old oak tree in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
In a video talk on the environment, which was posted online tonight, William, 38, said: “Our speed of innovation has been incredible. But so too has the acceleration of our impact.
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“Over my Grandmother’s lifetime, the last 90 years or so, our impact has accelerated so fast that our climate, oceans, air, nature and all that depends on them are in peril.
“This oak has stood here for centuries. But never has it faced a decade like this.
“We start this new decade knowing that it is the most consequential period in history.”
Last week, he launched the Earthshot prize, which will pay £1million each to five green projects every year for a decade.
Speaking from the tree, William said: “The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the funds flowing into the economic recovery, demonstrate how much can be achieved when those in positions of power come together and decide to act.
‘INSPIRED BY HEROES’
“We’ve built hospitals overnight. Repurposed factories. Poured billions into the search for a vaccine and better treatments.
“And we’ve been inspired by heroes emerging in every community across the world.
“Young people no longer believe that change is too difficult. They’ve witnessed the world turn on its head.
“They believe that the climate crisis and the threat to our biodiversity deserves our full attention and ambition.
“And they’re right. So now is the time for each one of us to show leadership.”
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He added: “I’m determined to both start and end this decade as an optimist.
“Whilst our generation represents just a blip in the lifetime of these magnificent oaks, we have the power and potential to ensure that they, and all life on earth, thrive for another thousand years and more.
“But only if we now unleash the greatest talents of our generation to repair our planet. We have no choice but to succeed.”
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