Sky News was interrupted for a major announcement as Prince William addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil. In a speech, the future king, attending COP30 in Brazil, said that the risks from climate change “often fall hardest on those who contributed least to the crisis,” as he said, “we must ask ourselves: what legacy do we wish to leave?”
Delivering a message of hope as he spoke for his father, the Prince of Wales made his first address on behalf of the King and the UK government.
He joined several global politicians and heads of state at the World Leaders Summit, which is part of the COP30 discussions in Belém.
He opened his speech in Portuguese, saying: “Bom Dia! Muito obrigado Presidente Lula e Governador Barbalho pelas calorosas boas vindas a Belem do Para.”
Later on, William stated this was a “pivotal moment in human history…that demands courage, cooperation and unwavering commitment to our planet’s future. A future that belongs not to us, but to our children and grandchildren.”
He added: “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.”
“Just this year, I visited the Welsh town of Pontypridd with my wife Catherine, where the community is still recovering from devastating floods,” he continued. “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.”
William said: “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.”
The Prince of Wales also remarked: “This is not just a challenge. It is a profound opportunity. An opportunity to build cleaner economies, restore nature, and improve the health and wellbeing of communities everywhere.
“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.”
