'They need our help': Prince William issues urgent call to protect world's oceans

ITV News

08-06-2025

Watch Prince William's speech in full as he called for the world to "act together with urgency" to "save our world"
The Prince of Wales today called for the world to 'act together with urgency' to protect the oceans because 'If we save the sea, we save our world'.
Prince William delivered a keynote speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco on World Oceans Day to an audience including President Macron of France, President Lula da Silva of Brazil, President Chavez of Costa Rica and Prince Albert of Monaco.
He said: 'The truth is that healthy oceans are essential to all life on earth. They generate half of the world's oxygen, regulate our climate and provide food for more than 3 billion people.
'And today, they need our help.
'Rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution and overfishing are putting pressure on these fragile ecosystems…and on the people and communities who depend most upon 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.
'But there remains time to turn this tide.'
The event is bringing together business leaders, government representatives, multilateral institutions and stakeholders committed to restoring the health of the oceans.
The future King is attending the forum in his role as founder of The Earthshot Prize, which was launched in 2020 to recognise and scale up ideas to help protect the planet.
The competition, which annually awards five finalists with £1 million to develop their ideas, will be held in Brazil later this year as it reaches its halfway point.
Prince William said: 'The Earthshot Prize is here to demonstrate that humanity does have the tools needed. But the brilliant minds behind these inspiring solutions cannot do it alone.
'They need scaling, support and investment to reach their potential. And they need to be backed by ambitious action on a global, national and local level.
'Halfway through this decisive decade, I call on all of you to think big in your actions.
'Let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance.
"For the future of our planet. For the future generations. We must listen to the words of Sir David Attenborough: 'If we save the sea, we save our world.'
The Prince met Earthshot Prize finalists and winners ahead of delivering his speech, including Enric Sala from Pristine Seas who was involved in the new film 'Ocean with David Attenborough'.
Speaking about the film, Prince William said: 'I was very emotional after watching it. I got angry, then I got sad, then I got frustrated, then I got happy – every single range of emotions.
'It was really powerful. I'm working out how to show my children as well.'
Prince William, who opened and closed his speech in French, told the forum: 'Enric is also part of the team behind Sir David Attenborough's incredible new film. It makes the most compelling argument for immediate action that I have ever seen.
'Watching human activity reduce beautiful sea forests to baron deserts at the base of our oceans is simply heartbreaking.
'For many, it is an urgent wake up call to just what is going on in our oceans. But it can no longer be a matter of 'out of sight, out of mind'.
'The need to act to protect our ocean is now in full view.
'As ever, Sir David leaves us with a sense optimism that all is not lost. He believes change is possible.
'Put simply: the ocean is under enormous threat, but it can revive itself. But, only if together, we act now."
A new film was released on Saturday of Prince William in conversation with Sir David Attenborough discussing the new documentary which has become available for streaming globally today, to coincide with World Oceans Day.