The UN climate conference in Paris is an opportunity to build “a truly resilient future” for the next few generations.
The Prince of Wales made the comment yesterday at the 10th Commonwealth Business Forum in Malta, which brought together 1,300 business leaders from around 80 countries.
He said the Commonwealth, its members and businesses have a “huge role to play” in tackling climate change.
Prince Charles added: “We face an unprecedented set of interlocking challenges, all of which are creeping up on us in the shape of a perfect storm – a global rise in unsustainable population growth and consumption, migration, rapid urbanisation, climate change, natural capital depletion and social, economic and energy insecurity.
“We look towards Paris and an agreement that will determine the survival of our species and all of those that share this precious planet with us. We do not have the right to test to destruction the planet’s tolerance to our indiscretions. We do not have the right to steal our children’s and grandchildren’s inheritance.”
He said: “We do, however, have the responsibility to act now, to seize this opportunity to build a truly resilient future and I am sure that the Commonwealth and those of you here today, will play a critical and leading part in this endeavour.”
The Prince will be delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of COP21 on Monday.
