With the recent Extinction Rebellion protests and the rise of activist Greta Thunberg, the world finally seems to be waking up to the global climate change problem. Even the royals are on board.
While on tour in Pakistan, the eco-conscious Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the northern district of Chitral to see its melting glaciers. The royal couple, who were drawing attention to the disastrous effects of climate change, wore Chitral Scouts hats and shawls, just like Prince Diana did when she visited alone in 1991. While walking around the retreating glacier at Broghil National Park, an expert detailed the significant impacts humans have had on the beautiful landscape.
Last night, Prince William addressed his environmental concerns at a reception in Islamabad, which took place beneath Pakistan’s national monument. 'Tomorrow we will be seeing some of these impacts first hand and meeting some of the communities adjusting to the new realities and new challenges that climate change has brought to their towns and villages,' he said. 'I hope to learn what more we all can do to help prevent and mitigate this impending global catastrophe.'
The Duke and Duchess will visit villages in Chitral to see the effects of flash flooding on small communities. This will entail a trip to a damaged site, which suffered from floods in 2015, to see how the community is adapting. There will be a drill from the Chitral emergency response team, which saved many lives in 2015. Afterwards, the royal couple will learn about the traditions and heritage of the Kalash people.
William and Kate are not the only royals to care about the environment, of course. Earlier this year, The Duchess of Sussex edited the September issue of Vogue, which included a piece by husband Harry. In it, he expressed his key concerns over environmental issues, and vowed to do his bit. Not long after, the couple caused controversy by undertaking a series of flights by private jet. Their friend, Sir Elton John, paid to offset the carbon commissions for one of those flights, however.
Prince Charles, meanwhile, has been vocal on the topic, and has said that we must act on climate change or 'face devastating consequences'.
Kate and William have been extremely busy during their week-long tour, known as the ‘most complex’ they have done to date. They visited the Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday and greeted a government-run school in Islamabad.
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