King Charles III has urged leaders at the Cop31 climate summit to turn their ambitions into action, warning that future generations will judge their decisions rather than their promises.

In a written message released on Wednesday, the King appealed for collective action as world leaders gathered in Antalya, Turkey, for the United Nations’ annual conference on tackling climate change.

“Our children and grandchildren will not judge us by the promises we made, but by what we chose to do,” he said.

His message linked that responsibility to the harm communities are already experiencing. He cited severe heat, floods, droughts, wildfires and storms, saying recent events had demonstrated, sometimes tragically, that climate change was not a distant threat.

The appeal placed delivery at the centre of his expectations for the summit: agreements would need to translate into action, rather than stand as declarations of intent.

“I therefore urge you, and all who join you in Antalya, to meet this moment not only with ambition, but with the determination to turn that ambition into action. This must be Cop31’s legacy,” he said.

Charles expressed hope that partnership and common purpose would inspire the response needed by the planet and future generations. He also sent his good wishes and encouragement to participants.

The King has campaigned on environmental issues for more than five decades, drawing attention to the interconnected threats of climate change and the destruction of nature, and their effects on livelihoods and communities. He delivered the opening address at Cop28 in Dubai in 2023; the Prince of Wales spoke on his behalf at Cop30 in Brazil in 2025.

“The need for action has never been clearer – nor more urgent,” he said.