We need revolutionary action to save the planet: full transcript of Prince Charles' Davos speech

Ladies and gentlemen, I am most touched that Professor Klaus Schwab should have invited me to be with you as we mark the 50th anniversary of the World Economic Forum and its mission to “improve the state of the world”. It is this mission, and the urgent need to shape the next 50 years, that has inspired me to be with you here today, after an absence of 30 years I hate to tell you.

Prince Charles speaks to the World Economic
 Forum for the first time in 30 years.

We are in the midst of a crisis that is now, I hope, well understood. Global warming, climate change, and the devastating loss of biodiversity are the greatest threats humanity has ever faced – and one largely of our own creation.

I have dedicated much of my life to the restoration of harmony between humanity, nature and the environment, and to the encouragement of corporate social and environmental responsibility. Quite frankly, it has been a bit of an uphill struggle. But, now, it is time to take it to the next level.

Read the story from The Age by Prince Charles - “We need revolutionary action to save the planet: full transcript of Prince Charles' Davos speech.”

Prince Charles Writes About Climate Change In New Ladybird Book

Prince Charles has written a Ladybird
 book on climate change.

Prince Charles has written a Ladybird book on climate change, a co-author has revealed.

The Prince of Wales, who has spoken out about man-made climate change on many occasions, has taken on the challenges and possible solutions in the book aimed at adults, according to reports.

He wrote the book with Tony Juniper, a former Friends of the Earth director, and Emily Shuckburgh, a Cambridge University climate scientist.

Juniper told the Mail on Sunday: “His Royal Highness, Emily and I had to work very hard to make sure that each word did its job, while at the same time working with the pictures to deliver the points we needed to make.

“I hope we’ve managed to paint a vivid picture, and like those iconic titles from the 60s and 70s, created a title that will stand the test of time.”

Read The Huffington Post story - “Prince Charles Writes About Climate Change In New Ladybird Book.”

Terrorism and climate change are directly related

First Bernie Sanders said “climate change was directly related to the growth of terrorism.” Then Prince Charles said drought was the root cause of the Syrian conflict and current refugee crisis. Pundits everywhere leaped at the opportunity to say both claims were wrong. Who is right?

We have been studying the possible link between climate and violence for years, and we'd like to clarify what the most up-to-date science can and cannot say on this topic.

“We can't predict that a particular conflict will or will not happen. Instead, we can assess the risk that violence might occur in response to changes in the climate.”

In general, conflicts are complex events — the result of many instigating factors, not just one. When we notice that violence occurs at the same time as a major climatic event, like the war in Syria erupting at the same time as a drought, we don't ask, “Was the climactic event the cause of the conflict?” Rather, we ask “Was the climatic event a cause of the conflict?” It might be that you need both ethnic rivalries and a drought to create a conflict, and missing either key ingredient might lead to a more peaceful outcome.

Read the Los Angeles Times opinion piece - “Climate change is indeed a cause of social conflict.”

Prince Charles correct about Syria and climate change

L

ast week, Prince Charles, known for his occasionally outrageous views, asserted what sounds at first to be absurd: that climate change may have been a cause of Syria’s mayhem, which has become an almost global crisis.

On closer inspection, the evidence backs him up.

While certainly not the only cause, an increasing number of experts agree that widespread famine in Syria, linked to warming global temperatures, contributed to the current chaos that has killed hundreds of thousands of people, created millions of refugees and given birth to Islamic State (IS). And that as our planet heats up, we must prepare for more climate wars.

Read The New Daily story - “Prince Charles is right about climate change and Syria.”