William's mission to save the earth and a moment to reflect on Diana

THE Prince of Wales last night called on innovators, politicians and business leaders to unite and face the climate crisis together.

- EMILY FERGUSON Royal Editor in Rio de Janeiro

Speaking at the fifth annual Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony, in Rio de Janeiro, William said key environmental decisions made in the future “will define the lives of young people”.

The Prince gave a passionate speech to the 1,200 guests gathered at the eye-catching Museum of Tomorrow, situated next to the waterfront at Earthshot Boulevard.

He said: “This is no time for complacency. The choices we make during this decade will define us... but, more importantly, they will define the lives of young people.

“The future belongs to them. They are the ones who will inherit the planet we are fighting to protect.”

Four young climate activists then joined the Prince on stage, as they spoke of their visions for the future, which included a world powered by clean energy, where nothing is wasted and the oceans are full of life.

William's five-minute speech struck a largely optimistic tone, as he hailed Earthshot finalists and winners, new and old.

UNYIELDING

He said: “Their work is the proof we need that progress is possible. Their stories are the inspiration that gives us courage.

“And there's a great deal we can learn from their determination, their vision for scale and their unyielding belief that we can create a better world.

“It's no exaggeration to say that they are the world's true action heroes.”

William's speech, which had been given the royal seal of approval from his eco-warrior father before he left for Brazil, came after the five winning projects of the £1million environmental award had been announced.