On 19th February 1970, at the age of 21, His Majesty warned of the dangerous effects of plastic pollution on the environment. In 2020, to mark 50 years since the speech was delivered, The King (as The Prince of Wales) reflected on why defending nature has been important to him for so many years.
In the context of global challenges that include climate change, deforestation, and ocean pollution, The King has promoted sustainability to ensure that the natural assets upon which we all depend among other things soil, water, forests, a stable climate and fish stocks endure for future generations.
The King believes that everyone has a role to play in tackling even the most complex sustainability challenges facing our world. From Heads of State to young people, and from chief executives to local community projects, his unique ability to bring people together has proved a powerful way to find solutions and inspire people and organisations at all levels and all around the world.
In February 2023, His Majesty hosted a reception in support of global biodiversity, on behalf of the UK Government, with international ministers, civil society, the private sector and indigenous representatives.
In November 2022, His Majesty hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace on behalf of the UK Government ahead of the COP27 Summit. The reception brought together over 200 international business leaders, decision makers and NGOs to mark the end of the UK’s presidency of COP26 and look ahead to the COP27 Summit in Egypt. At COP26, in Glasgow in November 2021, His Majesty met numerous leaders working to accelerate solutions on climate and biodiversity loss.
Over the decades, The King, when he was The Prince of Wales, launched a number of sustainability initiatives aimed at delivering practical outcomes.
We simply cannot waste any more time – the only limit is our willingness to act, and the time to act is now.
In his previous role as Prince of Wales, The King launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), along with its associated mandate the Terra Carta. The SMI’s global mission is to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future through the private sector, in support of the globally agreed Paris Climate Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals. This includes aligning industry, investment and country roadmaps (Nationally Determined Contributions).
