The Prince of Wales hailed the “breathtaking ideas” of young environmentalists as he spoke at Earthshot+, a panel discussion held by the Earthshot Prize, on Tuesday Afternoon during day 2 of his South Africa visit.

Wearing a tie made from plastic bottles by Circ x Wilmok, one of last year’s Earthshot finalists, William said he has “hope and optimism” that young people will repair our planet and urged those present to invest in their ideas.

He spoke warmly of the 120 youngsters participating in the inaugural Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme that he met on Monday and said: “The energy and the enthusiasm and the brilliance in that room was spectacular.”

He added: “The breadth of knowledge, the energy, the solutions they’ve got and the ideas that they have is breathtaking and we just need to hear more of them.

“This is what the Earthshot prize is about: to give them that platform.”

William went on to explain that his global environmental award “isn’t just a prize” – it’s about scale and impact as he went on to explain the so-called “dating service” that Earthshot launched last year.

The prince explained that Launchpad connect funders with current and former finalists

“Collaboration is key,” he said. “To put people in one big melting point – sparks will fly.”

He gave the example of 2023 Earthshot Prize Finalist Enso, who announced a partnership with Uber earlier this year.

The London-based start-up creates tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles that are more sustainable and reduce harmful tyre pollution.

Concluding his time on the panel, moderated by Wanjira Mathai, William brought it back to the importance of young environmentalists, and said: “I have hope I have optimism that these guys and girls can change our future and we have to invest in them as we invest in mother nature as well.”

The prince sat through an hour’s summit at Earthshot+ that started with a vibrant performance by South African drummers in traditional dress.

William heard of the importance of reaching the 30×30 target – a worldwide initiative for governments to designate 30% of Earth’s land and ocean as protected areas by 2030.

by Emily Ferguson, Royal Editor in Cape Town