The Prince of Wales has warned that there is a ‘dangerously narrow’ window of opportunity to tackle climate change.

Charles said that “after far too long” the issue is finally “of paramount importance to the world”.

The heir to the throne was addressing the Saudi Green Initiative Forum.

In a pre-recorded message, Charles said: “I am very touched to have been invited to speak on this event which inaugurates the Saudi Green Initiative and the roadmap, and which takes place with encouraging timing, a few days only before the G20 in Rome and the Cop26 in Glasgow.

“Cop26 would be the largest gathering of international leaders ever organized by the UK.

“This reflects the fact that, finally, and after far too long, climate change and biodiversity loss are clear global challenges of paramount importance to the world.

“At the same time, the ongoing pandemic has made it clear that human health, planetary health and economic health are fundamentally interconnected.

“We now have a dangerously narrow window of opportunity to accelerate a green recovery, while laying the foundations for a sustainable future.”

A spokesperson for Clarence House said: “The fight against climate change is essential, as the Prince of Wales has made clear for many decades.

“Over the past two years, in particular, he has encouraged companies from Saudi Arabia to India, Britain to China, to work together to prepare their industries for a more sustainable future.

“As Cop26 approaches, His Royal Highness is working to encourage businesses to work with governments to generate the scale of change needed to meet international climate goals. “