London: The British royal family has made a dramatic intervention over the impact of climate change, warning the Earth is at a "tipping point" and urging the world to lift its game over the next decade.

Launching "the most prestigious environmental prize in history", Prince William on Tuesday said humans faced a "stark choice".

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, are entering the climate change debate. Credit:Jay Cronan

"Either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve," he said.

"Remember the awe-inspiring civilisations that we have built, the life-saving technology we have created, the fact that we have put a man on the moon.