If there's one thing that really upsets Prince William, it is the lack of inaction from those in the position of power to do something about climate change. The Duke of Cambridge expressed his frustration in a podcast interview and admitted that it's what gives him sleepless nights at times.
Prince William spoke with former United Nations official Christiana Figueres for the Outrage + Optimism podcast. He said that he does not understand why those who have a responsibility to the public have not done much for the environment.
But as someone who also has a position of responsibility, the Duke of Cambridge recently launched the Earthshot Prize to reward those who will come up with "tangible solutions" to climate change. William believes that those with bright ideas to tackle the environmental issues humanity face have to be motivated and bring better solutions.
According to People, by Nov. 1, the Earthshot Prize panel will start looking at 100 proposals from individuals, groups, communities, organizations and businesses. From this set, five winners will be awarded the prize money to develop their ideas in 2021. Thereafter, Prince William will reward five more winners every year for the next 10 years until the world will adapt to the solutions to cut wastes and carbon emissions.
Incidentally, Figueres is also part of the Earthshot Prize panel and has overseen the climate change initiative of the United Nations. She was part of the team that made the Paris Agreement possible. This was a pact signed by world leaders who agreed to tackle climate change.
Figueres said that monarchies might be able to address this growing problem better than democratic countries because they think for the long-term and for the institution. Prince William said that his family has had strong opinions and support on environmental issues over the years and cited his grandfather, Prince Philip, and his father, Prince Charles, as at the front and center of many conversations and debates about the environment
Prince William's initiative, however, is not without any criticisms. Despite his work on conservation and climate change, the Duke of Cambridge was called a hypocrite because he actually loves to hunt animals as a royal family past time.
Critics said that the royal family's life of luxury contributes to the environmental problems of the Earth. Privileged royals like Prince William own many gas-guzzling vehicles and take private planes for their trips. They also own several houses in the U.K., which critics said goes against a sustainable lifestyle.
