Prince Charles tells world leaders G20 summit is their “last chance”

In a compelling address Prince Charles has urged world leaders to put aside their differences and tackle climate change before it is too late.

Prince Charles has given world leaders an urgent message on climate change.

The Prince of Wales, 72, a committed environmentalist and G20 summit guest, delivered the opening speech and reminded leaders of their “overwhelming responsibility” to keep climate change in check.

Prince Charles (C), Italian President Sergio Mattarella (R) and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (L) in Rome for the G20 (or Group of Twenty) intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries plus the EU. Picture: Getty Images

“It is impossible not to hear the despairing voices of young people who see you, ladies and gentlemen, as the stewards of the planet, holding the viability of their future in your hands,” the heir to the British throne told the G20 gathering in Rome.

Prince Charles (C), talks with members of the Sustainable Markets Initiative's (SMI) Fashion Coalition during his visit to the Villa Wolkonsky Residence Gardens in Rome. Picture: AFP

Appearing at the Rome summit, Charles urged world leaders to put aside their differences on tackling climate change.

He said COP26 was “the last-chance saloon” with the “future of humanity and nature herself at stake”.

In the lead-up to Glasgow, Prince Charles co-ordinated a united front of business chiefs and industry leaders, who he said were “more and more anxious to invest in the projects and new technologies” needed for emission reduction.

Prince Charles arrives to attend the G20 Summit at the La Nuvola conference centre in Rome. Picture: AFP

Prince Charles addressed the G20 in Rome saying the gathering was a “unique opportunity.” Picture: AFP

But he told the G20 the private sector needed clearer market signals from governments and aligned incentives to put a “proper value on carbon”.

“It is surely time to set aside our differences and grasp this unique opportunity to launch a substantial green recovery,” Prince Charles said.

It comes as G20 leaders meeting in Rome on Sunday committed to the key goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and pledged action on the use of coal, but fell short on a target of zero emissions, according to a final draft communique viewed by AFP.

Prince Charles is greeted by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi as he arrives to attend the G20 Summit at the La Nuvola conference centre. Picture: AFP

The pledges by the Group of 20 major economies, who emit nearly 80 per cent of carbon emissions, are viewed as crucial to the success of make-or-break UN climate talks taking place in Glasgow over the next fortnight.

BORIS JOHNSON: QUEEN IN ‘GOOD FORM’

Queen Elizabeth II is in good spirits, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stressed on Saturday after doctors advised the 95-year-old monarch to rest for at least another fortnight.

The Queen, who spent a night in hospital last week for “preliminary investigations”, has since been following medical advice to recuperate and been conducting only light work.

She cancelled a two-day trip to Northern Ireland last week while her appearance at the upcoming COP26 UN climate conference, which starts on Sunday in Scotland, has also been shelved.

Following the latest advice, Buckingham Palace said she would continue to carry out desk-based duties and some virtual audiences but no official visits in the next two weeks.

“I spoke to Her Majesty and she’s on very good form,” Mr Johnson told UK broadcaster Channel 4 in Rome, where he attended a weekend G20 summit.

“She’s just got to follow the advice of her doctors and get some rest, and I think that’s the important thing. I think the whole country wishes her well.”

It is reported the Queen will address COP26 by video call.

Originally published as Prince Charles tells world leaders G20 summit is their “last chance”