Prince William has urged CEOs of the world’s biggest tech companies to “be the leader you wanted to be when you were growing up” in a plea to reverse environmental problems. At the launch of London Climate Action Week, the Prince of Wales convened a forum of major tech bosses—including Google, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Alibaba, Baidu, eBay, Etsy, and Pinterest—to announce a first-ever commitment to end wildlife trafficking on their platforms.
Commitment to End Wildlife Trafficking
Speaking on behalf of the Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife, William expressed optimism but stressed the need for more action against climate change and wildlife degradation. On stage at the Frameless exhibition near Marble Arch, he was joined by actors and environmentalists Emma Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch. The prince told business leaders to be “more ambitious and courageous” and to “be the leader you wanted to be when you were growing up.”
Asked by host June Sarpong what argument CEOs should make to their boards, William replied: “That is a tricky one, there are several arguments that they should be making. But I think one particular thing is about the idea that this is going to make your business.”
Earthshot Prize and Optimism
William praised the pioneering innovators involved in his Earthshot Prize awards, which give him optimism for the future. At the gathering, he said their planet-saving solutions “keep my environmental anxiety at bay” and “helps me sleep at night.” Speaking directly to company bosses, he said: “You have the power to influence, your voice matters in your business, your direction matters and here more than anything, your leadership matters. Many of you can be more ambitious and courageous in what you do for the planet and for the environment.”
He added: “Be the leader you wanted to be when you were growing up, not the one you are in the business right now. Touch into what you were when you were a child and what you wanted to see the world, and bring those values to light as a CEO. More specifically, technology and innovation, we are seeing such a change in that, please embrace that for good.”
Future of Earthshot
William launched the global environmental awards in 2020, awarding £1 million prizes to five innovators each year for a decade. The programme has received thousands of entries, and their collective efforts leave him feeling that “we can do this” and reverse climate change. At a business forum for United for Wildlife, William was asked about plans after the Earthshot decade ends in 2030. Chatting with former US Vice President Al Gore, wildlife filmmakers Bertie Gregory and Malaika Vaz, and poet Sir Ben Okri, the prince said he is focused solely on Earthshot but admitted there will be “some sweaty nights” ahead deciding what to do next. “We have some debating to do,” he said. “It is going to keep us on our toes.”
William said Earthshot has left him optimistic as they find innovative ways to tackle issues like microplastic pollution in washing machines and creating biodegradable packaging from seaweed. “For me it keeps my environmental anxiety at bay because I can actually see some of the things we are doing are bringing change,” he said. “We can do this. There are actually tangible benefits, and it helps me sleep at night.”
Emma Watson's Story
Later, Emma Watson praised the Prince for his environmental awards. The Harry Potter star recalled how photographers turned up at her family’s Oxfordshire home shortly after she shot to fame for her role as Hermione Granger. Her mother was surprised to learn that the long lenses weren’t there to snap her famous daughter, but were following a bird on the brink of extinction, the red kite. Relieved that the press hadn’t discovered their private home, she let them into their garden to follow the red kite. “Conservationists have managed to bring them back,” Watson told the 200 guests. Asked what line of optimism she wanted to leave the audience with, she referred to the Walt Disney Studios film Finding Dory. William interjected, “great film,” before the actress said that the storyline, which sees Dory, a blue tang fish captured by humans, caused such an outcry that the species is now protected by conservationists. “Storytelling is really powerful,” she said.
