Prince William discussed the importance of education in tackling climate change in a video call with Shakira today – just hours after revealing the Colombian singer is on his council for the Earthshot Prize.
The Duke of Cambridge, 38, recently unveiled a selection of high-profile celebrities who will decide the winners of his prestigious award, which is designed to provide 50 environmental pioneers with the funds needed to further their work in tackling major problems impacting the environment.
Taking to Instagram, Shakira shared their discussion alongside a caption which read: ‘A bit more of my chat with Prince William about the @earthshotprize’ – inspired by his passion and commitment towards combating climate change and repairing our planet, not to mention his contagious enthusiasm – and so humbled and happy to be a part of this Prize Council.
‘It was a real pleasure getting to spend some time chatting with him about this incredible initiative-can’t wait to see the results!’
Prince William (pictured), 38, discussed the importance of education in tackling climate change in a video call with Shakira today
The Columbian singer (pictured) took to Instagram and said how she was ‘so humbled and happy to be a part of this Prize Council’
At the start of the video call, the royal said: ‘You and I both have young children and we’ve seen the passion young people all around the globe have for different causes, particularly the environment as well. Why do you think education is so important in protecting out planet?’
Shakira went on to explain that all parents want is for their children to grow up in a safe environment – before admitting her two children have sparked their own passion for looking after the environment.
‘I think we’re biologically designed to try to preserve our species and all parents want is for their children to grow and be in a safe environment,’ she continued. ‘It’s in our DNA.
‘My eldest son Milan, he’s seven-years-old now, but he began asking questions about the environment when he was about five. Now whenever I brush his teeth and I leave the water tap running for too long, he’s the one reminding me.
‘My little boy Sasha he’s five, and he’s already so concerned about plastic pollution. When he sees garbage in the street, on the beach, he’s the one who wants to pick it up.
‘One time we went around the block with gloves and picking up the trash around the neighbourhood. I thought it was such a beautiful family activity. It sent me a signal and made me see how worried they are about the environment.’
Shakira (pictured) told Prince William that her two children have sparked their own passion for looking after the environment
The Duke of Cambridge commended Shakira’s children for recognising the urgency to make a change. Pictured, during the video call
The singing sensation went on to say she she wants to ‘take advantage of that sensibility’ and show them that if everyone is able to come together as a collective, ‘we can solve the greatest problems that we have in humanity.’
She continued: ‘Because their generation has to think differently, they’re the ones who have to innovate.
‘Your children, my children, they have to find ways to reduce carbon emissions, to repair oceans, to clean the air. We need young minds to be informed and invested, that’s why education is so important. But we can’t stand still, we haven’t led the way and we have to do it now.’
Prince William agreed he’s concerned how the issues of the environment could cause anxiety for the future generations – and commended Shakira’s children for recognising the urgency to make a change.
He said: ‘I completely agree with you. It is wonderful to hear that your children even at the age of seven and five, they get it and they actually understand and they want to get involved and they’re actively protecting the environment.’
‘I think collective confidence is quiet important. The fact we all need to believe that we can do this together,’ he added.
Shakira also went on to reveal that her children’s school are doing a ‘great’ job of educating about the environment, but said it’s an effort that everyone needs to be campaigning for.
The Colombian singer said she believes it’s achievable for the environment to be repaired within the next ten years.
She continued: ‘I believe in the determination and the force and the brainpower of mankind. We were able to get to the moon, we can do this.
We have evolved so much in the past 100 years, we have all the resources, we have ‘the technology, the ways of communications to solve our common issues as humanity.
‘And that’s why I signed on this project, I know it’s ambitious, I know it’s hard, but I know there are so many that will rise to the occasion, with their own creative solutions and own initiatives ans will transform society.’
The Earthshot Prize which has been likened to a green Nobel Prize, will see see a total of 50 environmental pioneers each awarded a £1million prize for their work towards protecting the environment.
Others on the council include athletes, professional footballer Dani Alves and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and environmentalist Yao Ming, as well as environmental activists including Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim and Christiana Figueres.