Prince Charles describes humanity’s exploitation of nature as ‘insanity’

'It's high time we paid more attention,' says Prince of Wales

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The Prince of Wales has described humanity's exploitation of nature as "insanity".

Speaking to novelist Margaret Atwood on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Prince Charles explained how humans have become increasingly detached from the natural world in recent years.

“We are a microcosm of the macrocosm, but we've forgotten that, or somehow been brainwashed into thinking that we have nothing to do with nature, nature can just be exploited,” he said.

"And if we go on exploiting where we are, whatever we do to nature, however much pollution, we do to ourselves - it is insanity."

Charles also urged people to listen to the "wisdom of indigenous communities" in order to better understand how to combat the climate crisis.

 “I've been talking to quite a lot of the First Nations leaders in Canada over the last year, and it's high time we paid more attention to their wisdom, and the wisdom of indigenous communities and First Nations people all around the world,” he said.

“We can learn so much from them as to how we can re-right the balance and start to rediscover a sense of the sacred, because nature - Mother Nature - is our sustainer, we are part of nature. We are nature.”

Charles also spoke about his dedication to environmentalism, recalling how people thought he was "completely dotty" for discussing environmental issues in 1970.

When asked by Atwood if he faced “pushback” when he delivered a speech about the problem of plastic waste and air pollution that year, Charles replied: "A great deal, if I may say so, but nobody really wanted to know at the time, they thought I was completely dotty."

The Prince’s comments come after he faced criticism for recently taking three private jet flights in 11 days ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he met with environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

The Mail on Sunday reported that Charles’ jet and helicopter travel amounted to 16,000 miles, which cost the taxpayer of £280,000.

A Clarence House spokesperson told the Mail on Sunday: "Global travel is an inescapable part of the Prince’s role as a senior member of the Royal Family representing the UK overseas.