Prince William criticizes space tourism: We need to focus on fixing this planet, not on finding a new place to live

The Duke of Cambridge has criticized space tourism, saying the world's greatest minds should focus on trying to fix the situation on Earth.

William’s words, in an interview with the BBC Newscast, were broadcast the day after his namesake William Shatner, an icon of Star Trek, went down in history by becoming the oldest person in space.

The 90-year-old actor, known for his role as Captain Kirk, took off from the Texas desert on Wednesday in a rocket made by Amazon founder Blue Origin space company Jeff Bezos.

The Duke, who was interviewed about climate change, ahead of his first Earthshot Awards, said: "We need some of the world’s greatest minds focused on fixing this planet, not on finding the next place to live. "

He also warned that the COP-26 Summit, at which world leaders will gather in Glasgow later this month, should not be marked by "smart speeches, smart words, but insufficient action."

"I think it is crucial for the COP to say very clearly and very honestly what the problems are and what the solutions will be," he said.

The Duke expressed his concern over rising anxiety over climate change among young people, saying it would be an “absolute disaster” if his eldest son, Prince George, had to talk about the same issue in 30 years when it would be too late.

William added that his father, the Prince of Wales, who is known for his long-standing commitment to green issues, had “really tough beginnings” when he first started talking about climate change.

By: Helen B.