Prince William has heaped praise on a Brazilian climate fund during a keynote speech at Cop30, despite the UK refusing to contribute.
During his speech, which was overseen by his father, King Charles and the British Government, the Prince of Wales credited the multibillion-dollar Brazilian-led Tropical Forest Forever Facility, which was a finalist in his Earthshot Prize Awards.
William said: “Brazil’s proposal for the Tropical Forests Forever Facility is a visionary step toward valuing nature’s role in climate stability. That is why it was an Earthshot prize finalist this year.
“The initiative recognises that climate and nature must be addressed together – not in silos, but in synergy.
Prince William praised the Tropical Forest Forever Facility but the UK will not fund it
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“The science is clear – we must go further if we are to secure a liveable future for all. And we must go together.
“The time for partnership, protection and progress is now. We know what is at stake. We know what must be done. And we know that no country, no community, no individual can do it alone.”
Despite this, the UK has refused to contribute to the fund to save the world’s rainforests, which was launched before Cop30.
Tropical Forests Forever Facility has been described as a “once in a generation initiative”, aiming to create a $125billion (£95.1billion) conservation fund.
Sir Keir has been told to ‘put his money where his mouth is’
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It was hoped an initial $25billion (£19billion) might be raised, with a further cash flow to follow from the private sector.
But countries have been slow to sign up.
The World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature said Sir Keir’s failure to invest in the fund “falls short” of his commitment to be “all in”.
WWF’s director of advocacy, Gavin Crowden, said: “We’re glad the Prime Minister has reaffirmed at Cop30 that the UK’s commitment to global climate action is strong.
The Prince of Wales used his speech to call on world leaders to take action
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“Decarbonising the UK power sector makes economic sense, but as the Prime Minister acknowledged, the climate and nature crisis is global and the UK must play its role in global solutions.
“Failing to invest in the Tropical Forest Forever Facility at this stage falls short of being ‘all in’ and we urge the Prime Minister to reconsider.”
Co-executive director at Greenpeace, Areeba Hamid called on the Prime Minister to put “his money where his mouth is”.
Ms Hamid said: “Keir Starmer boasts a domestic record stronger than most, having promised to end new oil and gas here in the UK – a genuinely world-leading policy.
The Prince of Wales said the world is at ‘a pivotal moment in human history’
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“But, with a climate denier at the helm of the world’s biggest superpower, it is absolutely vital that the UK takes up the mantle on global climate leadership and puts his money where his mouth is.”
After shaking hands with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, William used his speech to demand action.
He said: “We come together today here in the heart of the Amazon… at a pivotal moment in human history.
“I grew up with my father – the King – talking about the power of nature and the importance of harmony in the natural world. A subject he has championed for over five decades. It is a privilege to also represent him here today, as well as everyone else who has championed this cause, for so many years.
“All of us here today understand that we are edging dangerously close to the Earth’s critical tipping points… thresholds beyond which the natural systems we depend on may begin to unravel.”