The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has warned that climate change is the 'largest challenge ever to the human race'.

Lord Williams of Oystermouth, 69, said the issue is "everyone's problem" and legislation alone cannot fix it.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he also criticises echo chambers on both sides of the political debate.

"Arguably the largest challenge ever to the human race is the shape of an environmental challenge," he told artist Grayson Perry, who guest edits Today on Boxing Day.

Climate change, Lord Williams said, is "not a problem coming from outside. It's everyone's problem, everybody's issue.

"It's also not something legislation alone can cure."

Lord Williams spoke out about the "sinister feeling that this must be some kind of conspiracy".

The belief that "climate change has been invented by communists, illuminati or some sort of other mysterious group who are determined to undermine who were are. That's something I worry about," he said.

"The idea that there are people who believe climate change is a huge confidence trick."

For the past 16 years, BBC Radio 4’s The Today Programme has handed over the editorial reins to high-profile public figures during the week between Christmas and New Year.