He joined billionaire Michael Bloomberg to write an editorial for USA Today newspaper which highlights the duke's ￡50million Earthshot Prize.

       The winners, to be announced next month, each get ￡1million to help develop their ideas which "repair the planet".

       They wrote: "The same steps that advance technology and cut carbon pollution also create jobs in new industries, while protecting public health and the natural resources we all depend on - changes that will benefit generations to come."

       They described the prize as "a new call to action to the world". Mr Bloomberg, founder of financial data firm Bloomberg, is the UN special envoy for climate ambition and solutions.