On Friday, Britain's King Charles expressed grave concern, stating that the world is significantly deviating from effectively addressing climate change. He highlighted the imminent peril to the global economy unless urgent measures are taken to restore the environment.
"I pray with all my heart that COP28 will be another critical turning point towards genuine transformational action," he said, in reference to the 2015 summit held in France.
Addressing world leaders at the COP28 UN climate summit, King Charles emphasised that the perils of climate change are no longer a distant threat but a pressing reality. Urging for immediate action, he fervently expressed hope that COP28 would mark a pivotal moment, echoing the transformative impact of the 2015 summit held in France.
The monarch warned that despite some progress “we remain so dreadfully far off trackâ€_x009d_. He called for “genuine transformational actionâ€_x009d_, a day after the meeting opened with stark warnings on global warming
"Unless we rapidly repair and restore nature's unique economy, based on harmony and balance, which is our ultimate sustainer, our own economy and survivability will be imperilled," he said.
King Charles cited the impact of climate change globally, including floods in India and Pakistan and severe wildfires in the United States, Canada and Greece.
Meanwhile the country’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced £1.6bn ($2bn) in UK funding for climate projects, including renewable energy, green innovation and forests - "delivering on the historic Glasgow deal to end deforestation". The pledge is in addition to £1.6bn announced at the G20 summit for the Green Climate Fund.