King Charles Urges Climate Action on Behalf of His Grandchildren: 'They Will Be Living with the Consequences'

The King made a passionate speech at the COP28 talks in Dubai

King Charles is standing up for the environment on behalf of future generations, including his grandchildren.

The King, 75, made an impassioned speech to world leaders saying now was the time for action, not more words.

Speaking at the opening of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (or COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, he said early Friday, “In 2050, our grandchildren won’t be asking what we said, they will be living with the consequences of what we did or didn’t do."

He called the climate talks "an unmissable opportunity to keep our common hope alive. I can only urge you to meet it with ambition, imagination and a true sense of the emergency we face, and together with a commitment to the practical action upon which our shared future depends."

King Charles is a grandfather of five: Prince William and Kate Middleton's children — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children — Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2.

His speech came as the furor continued over the publication of Omid Scobie’s book Endgame. It was revealed that the Dutch translation of the book names the members of the royal family involved in a conversation that included a controversial comment about the skin color of Meghan and Harry's son before he was born.

Buckingham Palace had no comment. PEOPLE understands the palace is considering all options regarding the situation.

Related: King Charles Says He's 'All Right... Just About' amid Royal Book Controversy

King Charles, who has been a campaigner on the environment and the perils and consequences of climate change for decades, warned of what he calls the “existential threats facing us over global warming, climate change and biodiversity loss,” he reiterated in his speech on Friday.

The monarch said that in his travels across the world and Commonwealth, he had witnessed “countless communities which are unable to withstand repeated shocks, whose lives and livelihoods are laid waste by climate change,” from severe climate events in places from Bangladesh, where there have been catastrophic floods, to East Africa and its “decades-long drought."

“Surely real action is required to stem the growing toll of its most vulnerable victims?” he said.

Related: Kate Middleton and Prince William Ignore Reporters' Questions on Royal Book Scandal on Red Carpet

King Charles began his speech by referring to the fact that eight years ago he had been “most touched to be asked to speak at the opening of COP21.” Those talks culminated in the Paris Agreement which, he said, brought “hope and optimism, when nations put differences to one side for the common good.”

He added, “I pray with all my heart that COP28 will be another critical turning point towards genuine transformational action at a time when, already, as scientists have been warning for so long, we are seeing alarming tipping points being reached.”

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While King Charles was in Dubai, Prince William and Princess Kate attended the Royal Variety Performance on Thursday evening. As they arrived, the royal couple ignored a reporter's questions about the controversial book. "Your Royal Highness, have you got a comment about Omid Scobie's book?" and "Did you watch the Piers Morgan show last night, Your Royal Highnesses?" were called out.

The couple didn't answer or acknowledge the questions, walking towards each other and briefly holding hands before William put a hand on his wife's back and they walked down the red carpet.

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