Prince Charles has warned of the "nightmare result" of plastic pollution in the world's oceans is set to get "worse".
Prince Charles
The 69-year-old royal is known for his passionate views on environmental issues, and during a speech delivered at a meeting for the International Sustainability Unit (ISU) - which he founded in 2010 - at The British Academy in London on Wednesday (31.01.18), he has said it is fundamental that "substantial progress" is made to rid the oceans of its eight million tonnes of plastic.
He said: "The nightmare result of eight million tonnes of plastic entering the ocean every year is set to get worse rather than better. We cannot, indeed must not, allow this situation to continue ... I do fervently pray that you will all do your utmost to work together in the coming year to make real, substantial progress. It could not be more critical that you succeed."
The royal also spoke of his "deep frustrations" at the lack of attention being given to the subject, but admitted the "last few years" have seen a significant rise in awareness about the crisis.
He added: "Over the last few years, the awareness and science about the negative impacts of plastic waste in our ocean have grown significantly.
"Many of you, I know, shared my deep frustration that the world was seemingly just turning a blind eye to this mounting evidence.
"Thankfully, the level of concern has now changed, not least because of your efforts."
And although he notes that ridding the ocean of all plastic is a large task, he is "encouraged" by the fact that the topic is now "very much on the global agenda".
He said: "Even though the challenge at hand is extremely grave and unbelievably urgent, I for one at least find some encouragement from the fact that the legacy of plastic in the environment is now very much on the global agenda and in the public consciousness."
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