Prince William 'refusing to accept voices of denial' as he issues rallying call
Prince William delivers optimistic speech on climate change
Reuters
Prince William is "refusing to accept voices of denial" as he issued a rallying call during an important speech on climate change at the 2023 Earthshot Prize Awards.
The Prince of Wales, who travelled to Singapore without his wife Princess Kate, arrived at the ceremony wearing a smart green velvet blazer from Reiss.
The 41-year-old posed with A-list celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Hannah Waddingham on the green carpet that was laid out for the awards show.
In his speech, William addressed the "challenges" posed by climate change.
Prince William inside Earthshot Prize Awards
PA
However, he asserted that the finalists at the Earthshot Prize Awards were filled with "optimism" for the future.
Prince William said: "The last year has been one of great change and even greater challenge.
"A year in which the effects of the climate crisis have become too visible to be ignored.
"And a year that has left so many feeling defeated, their hope dwindling."
Prince William walking the green carpet
PA
The royal added: "However, as we have seen tonight, hope does remain. The light of optimism is burning bright in our Earthshot finalists.
"From Boomitra, S4S, and Acción Andina, to GRST and Wildaid Marine, our winners and all our finalists remind us that no matter where you are on our planet the spirit of ingenuity, and the ability to inspire change, surrounds us all.
"We express our deepest gratitude to Singapore for hosting our third Earthshot Prize ceremony.
"Few places demonstrate so well how the natural and urban worlds can co-exist. A great city leveraging technology and innovation to help repair and regenerate our planet.
Prince William wearing a green Reiss velvet blazer
PA
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"I choose to believe that future generations will look back on this decade as the point at which we globally took collective action for our planet.
"The moment we refused to accept the voices of denial and defeatism, and instead, became the architects of change towards a healthy and sustainable world.
"We owe it to the generations that will follow us to work together both for their future and for the future of our planet. It is my belief that we will find the courage to do so.
"We will find the courage because we will hold onto the most powerful motivators of all: optimism and hope."