The Prince of Wales has urged investors to support environmental entrepreneurs, describing climate and nature-based solutions as the “foundation of long-term security, stability and prosperity”. Speaking at the Investing for Impact forum in London, William highlighted the urgent need to scale up funding for green initiatives.
The event, held at the Guildhall on Thursday, was organised by the Earthshot Prize in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. It brought together investors and business leaders from around the world to showcase success stories and encourage investment in environmental solutions.
William noted that more than half of global GDP depends on nature, and reminded the audience of the global commitment to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. “This commitment is our best chance of reversing the damage done to our planet,” he said, adding that only 17% of land and 3% of ocean are currently fully protected.
The prince praised past Earthshot winners and finalists, including NatureMetrics, which raised $25 million for biodiversity monitoring, and Coral Vita, which secured over $8 million for reef restoration. He also mentioned Colorifix, which recently closed an $18 million funding round for sustainable textile dyeing.
“Today, I ask you not to retreat. Now is the moment to look forward,” William concluded. “Look forward to investments that hedge against climate risk and provide a pathway to innovation, profit and resilience.”
The forum is one of several events William has attended during London Climate Action Week, which runs from June 21 to 29. The Earthshot Prize awards £1 million annually to five environmental solutions.
