Prince Charles will give a speech on climate change in Tokyo today (28.10.08).
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The prince arrived in the city yesterday (27.10.08) with wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, to begin an official tour of Japan aimed at promoting the reduction of carbon output and highlighting climate change and the destruction of rainforests.
Clarence House officials say Charles’ speech will call for “nothing less than an urgent, full-scale transformation to a low-carbon society” as he reflects on the joint work already being done by Japanese and British scientists, and emphasises the steps needed to be taken in the fight against climate change.
Clarence House has already attempted to head off criticism that the five-day tour, which will be followed by visits to Brunei and Indonesia, will itself leave a large carbon footprint.
The flights will be carbon-offset, and officials have argued that the message must be put across in person in order to be most effective.
The tour – Charles’ third of the country – marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the United Kingdom David Warren, British ambassador in Tokyo, said: “The relationship between the UK and Japan continues to flourish. In this special year as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, I know that a great many people in Japan are looking forward to welcoming their Royal Highnesses to this country.”
