Scientists themselves readily admit that they do not fully understand the consequences of our many-faceted assault upon the interwoven fabric of atmosphere, water, land and life in all its biological diversity. But things could also turn out to be worse than the current scientific best guess. In military affairs, policy has long been based on the dictum that we should be prepared for the worst case. Why should it be so different when the security is that of the planet and our long-term future?

Any difficulties which the world faces today will be as nothing compared to the full effects which global warming will have on the world-wide economy.

Father told me that if I ever met a lady in a dress like yours, I must look her straight in the eyes.

Do you seriously expect me to be the first Prince of Wales in history not to have a mistress?

Climate change should be seen as the greatest challenge to face man and treated as a much bigger priority in the United Kingdom.

There is very good evidence indeed that one of the major reasons for this horror in Syria was a drought that lasted for about five or six years, which meant that huge numbers of people in the end had to leave the land.

We should be treating, I think, the whole issue of climate change and global warming with a far greater degree of priority than I think is happening now.