London: Prince Charles has warned business leaders to take action against climate change or watch the world continue on a path to destruction - the latest forthright comment from the heir to the British throne in a month when his views have caused political and diplomatic waves.

Charles sparked a diplomatic spat last week by comparing Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler, with some MPs calling for the 65-year-old prince to keep his personal opinions private.

Prince Charles addresses the Inclusive Capitalism Conference. Credit:AFP

But he showed on Tuesday he is determined to voice his opinions, calling on an audience of global business leaders to take tough choices over climate change and capitalism even if it made them unpopular. He said the world was at the mercy of people vociferously and aggressively denying the current operating model was accelerating climate change which could destroy the world.

"We can choose to act now before it is finally too late, using all of the power and influence that each of you can bring to bear to create an inclusive, sustainable and resilient society," he said in a speech in London to a conference entitled Inclusive Capitalism.