The UK's Prince Charles has warned the public about the catastrophic effects of climate change as he opened the virtual Climate Week international summit Monday.
The Prince of Wales prepared a recorded speech. He said climate change would "dwarf" the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Charles said the COVID-19 crisis gave humans an opportunity to reset and plan a "sustainable and inclusive future."
He said it was time to stop denigrating the Earth's resources and denying the crisis humans will face. Swift and immediate action is necessary to deal with climate change as governments around the world restart their economies following the height of the pandemic.
Charles delivered his speech from his Birkhall home at Balmoral where he was isolated. In March Charles confirmed he tested positive for COVID-19. His symptoms were mild and his recovery was quick.
Climate Week is the only international summit on climate change scheduled this year. According to Sky News, the event is organized by Climate Group in New York. It aims to bring international leaders together to plan action to defeat the problem. The virtual gathering coincides with the 75th United Nations' General Assembly.
In October, Charles' eldest son Prince William will take part in a TED Talk series on climate change with Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth and Al Gore. According to reports, the Duke of Cambridge will appear in a panel with environmentalists, experts and leaders to discuss the best ways and solutions to global warming.
William launched the Earthshot Prize in December to acknowledge five of the best ideas for solving the environmental crisis. World experts said the planet had a decade to course correct and reverse the effects of climate change.
A study showed the wealthiest 1 percent of the world's population had been producing more carbon emissions than half of its poorest communities. The study said that from 1990 to 2015, the richest people in the world contributed to the rise in pollution thanks to fuel-guzzling SUVs and private trips. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the most important measure to address climate change was to address carbon emissions of the wealthiest.
