Prince Charles Says Climate Change More Important Issue Than Poverty

Britain's Prince Charles thinks climate change is more important than poverty. The heir to the throne told a climate change summit at the British Embassy in Santiago, Chile, that global warming should be tackled before any other problem.

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Speaking to 300 guests at the dinner hosted by Chile's president Michelle Bachelet last night, Charles said: "How can we begin to address poverty if we haven't first ensured our planet is habitable?"

"If we do nothing, the consequences for every person on this earth will be severe and unprecedented - with vast numbers of environmental refugees, social instability and decimated economies: far worse than anything which we are seeing today."

The 60-year-old royal said Chile was already experiencing the "severe consequences" of climate change.

He said: "You are already witnessing the terrifying effects of global warming, including the shrinking of nearly 90 percent of your glaciers."

"Ladies and gentlemen, in the light of such evidence, and so much more from across the globe, I find it incomprehensible that there are those who doubt the science of climate change."

"We must think and act across boundaries of nation, sector, language and culture, and to do so now and with resolve."

But despite his dire predictions, the royal - who ended his speech in Spanish - said he was "optimistic" changes would be made in time.

Charles and his wife Camilla are currently completing a 10-day official tour of South America. Later today they will visit a vineyard producing organic wine.