The Prince of Wales has spoken about his 'deep frustration' at the world ignoring plastic waste in the ocean.

Charles delivered a speech at a meeting of environmentalists and business leaders to discuss the issue today in central London.

He said: 'Over the last few years, the awareness and science about the negative impacts of plastic waste in our ocean have grown significantly.

The prince thanked scientists for raising awareness of the problem plastic poses but warned the crisis could worsen

'Many of you, I know, shared my deep frustration that the world was seemingly just turning a blind eye to this mounting evidence.

'Thankfully, the level of concern has now changed, not least because of your efforts.'

Charles, long known for his interest in environmental causes, attended the meeting of the International Sustainability Unit (ISU) at The British Academy.

The Prince of Wales shared his frustration at those who turn a blind eye despite scientists exposing the threat of plastic in our oceans

He told delegates: 'Even though the challenge at hand is extremely grave and unbelievably urgent, I for one at least find some encouragement from the fact that the legacy of plastic in the environment is now very much on the global agenda and in the public consciousness.'

Charles established the ISU in 2010 to help tackle environmental issues such as deforestation, climate change and marine health.

At the meeting, he praised collaborative and integrated efforts to solve the problem of plastic waste.

Prince Charles expressed frustration at those who turn a blind eye to plastic polluting oceans

Environmentalists met at The British Academy in central London today, where Charles warned of a worsening crisis

The Prince of Wales spoke of a grave threat posed by plastic pollution in the oceans and express frustration at those who ignore the problem

He said: 'In a culture where the forces of competition so often swamp the imperative of co-operation, breaking out of the silos that slow down progress is even more of an achievement.'

Charles, who made his first speech on the environment nearly half a century ago in December 1968, added: 'The nightmare result of eight million tonnes of plastic entering the ocean every year is set to get worse rather than better.

Prince Charles, pictured at the central London academy, has been campaigning on environmental issues since 1968

The prince spoke of a worsening nightmare as he warned against turning a blind eye to plastic polluting the sea

Environmentalists and scientists were thanked by the royal, who said the awareness they had raised was vital

Prince Charles spoke with plastics stakeholders at today's meeting in a move to improve industry's approach to the environment

'We cannot, indeed must not, allow this situation to continue... I do fervently pray that you will all do your utmost to work together in the coming year to make real, substantial progress.

'It could not be more critical that you succeed.'

Attendees at the 'Keeping plastics and their value in the economy and out of the ocean' conference included representatives from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, PepsiCo UK, and Sky Ocean Ventures Fund.



