In a heartfelt plea to global leaders, Prince William has urged “immediate action” to save the world’s oceans, warning that marine ecosystems critical to life are “diminishing before our eyes.”
Speaking at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco, the Prince of Wales stressed that healthy oceans are essential for all life on Earth.
Addressing an audience of heads of state, environmental experts, and financial leaders, the prince declared that although the challenge is unprecedented, there is still time to reverse the damage—but “the clock is ticking.”
The heir to the throne emphasised the immense role oceans play in sustaining life:
- Producing over 50% of the world’s oxygen
- Regulating global climate systems
- Providing food for more than 3 billion people
Yet these life-giving waters are under siege. Rising sea temperatures, overfishing, and plastic pollution continue to threaten delicate ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities who rely on them.
“What once seemed an abundant resource is diminishing before our eyes. We all stand to be impacted, and we are all responsible for change, both negative and positive,” said Prince William.
Citing the ambitious target set at the 2022 UN Biodiversity Summit to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, the prince warned that progress remains slow. Currently, only 17% of land and a mere 3% of ocean territory are fully protected.
“2030 is fast approaching… If we are to reach our goal, we urgently need to take bold action to protect and restore our planet.”
He added that while the challenge is daunting, he remains hopeful: “Urgency and optimism have the power to bring about the action needed to change the course of history.”
William also referenced his recent filmed conversation with veteran broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. In it, the 99-year-old environmentalist voiced horror at the damage inflicted on ocean floors—destruction that would be deemed intolerable if seen on land.
“Watching human activity reduce beautiful sea forests to barren deserts… is simply heartbreaking. But it can no longer be a matter of ‘out of sight, out of mind’, ’” William said.
Despite the sobering message, the prince conveyed hope. He praised Attenborough’s new documentary Oceans, calling it “the most compelling argument for immediate action that I have ever seen.”
He concluded his Monaco address with a stirring reminder: “Let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance… If we save the sea, we save our world.”
Prince William delivered his remarks as founder of the Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020 to spearhead global environmental solutions over the next decade. His presence alongside leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signalled a growing alliance between nations on ocean conservation.
As the UN Ocean Conference commences in France, the prince’s message resonates with urgency: protecting the oceans is not optional—it’s essential for our collective future.
