William criticises space tourism after star’s trek

The Duke of Cambridge has criticised the space race and space tourism, saying the world's greatest minds need to focus on trying to fix the Earth instead.

Prince William's comments, in an interview with BBC Newscast on BBC Sounds, will be aired today, the day after Star Trek's William Shatner made historybybecomingtheoldest person in space.

The 90-year-old actor, known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk, lifted off from the Texas desert in a rocket built by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's space travel company Blue Origin.

The duke, who was interviewed about climate change ahead of his inaugural Earthshot Prize awards, said: "We need someoftheworld'sgreatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live."

He also warned the COP26 summit, where world leaders will gather in Glasgow at the end of the month, against "clever speak, clever words but not enough action".

"I think for COP to communicate very clearly and very honestly what the problems are and what the solutions are going to be, is critical," he said.

"We can't have more clever speak, clever words but not enough action."

The duke expressed his concerns about a rise in climate anxiety in young people, and said it would be a "absolute disaster" if his eldest son, Prince George, washavingtotalkaboutthe same issue in 30 years.

His viewpoint had changed since he had his own children. "I want the things that I've enjoyed the outdoor life, nature, the environment - I want that to be there for my children, and everyone else's children.”