Burgess COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

Prince Charles has called for an end to capitalism as we know it in order to save the planet from global warming.

In a speech to business leaders in London, the Prince said that a 'fundamental transformation of global capitalism' was necessary in order to halt 'dangerously accelerating climate change” that would “bring us to our own destruction'.

He called for companies to focus on 'approaches that achieve lasting and meaningful returns” by protecting the environment, improving their employment practices and helping the vulnerable to develop a new 'inclusive capitalism'.

The Prince was taking part in his first major UK public engagement since sparking a diplomatic row last week by likening the behaviour of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, to Adolf Hitler.

In a politically-charged speech at the Inclusive Capitalism conference, the Prince said: “I remember when the Iron Curtain came down there was a certain amount of shouting about the triumph of capitalism over communism. Being somewhat contrary, I didn't think it was quite as simple as that. I felt that unless the business world considered the social, community and environmental dimensions, we might end up coming full circle.”

A few words from the Prince on Capitalism and the need for transformation.

Brad Zarnett Founder, Toronto Sustainability Speaker Series (TSSS) Canada's premiere idea exchange for sustainability leadership Top Contributor

Prince Charles: reform capitalism to save the planet - Telegraph ow.ly

A “fundamental transformation of global capitalism” is needed in order to tackle climate change, the Prince of Wales has said

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Ruchika ARORA Ruchika Ruchika ARORA Development Researcher | Writer | Activist-Teacher | Initiator *Willing to relocate* I do not mean to be cheeky or a provocateur *but* how does monarchy fit into this fundamentally transformed capitalist system that is people-centred or inclusive, as the Prince puts it? Just asking. Like Reply privately Flag as inappropriate 19 hours ago

Peter Burgess Peter Burgess Founder/CEO at TrueValueMetrics developing Multi Dimension Impact Accounting I have been an avid follower of Prince Charles since his student days ... a long time now. He has been years ahead on a whole host of important matters that have serious impact on society and the environment, and has been in trouble for speaking out against the established conventional wisdom. It should come as no surprise that Prince Charles is concerned about the need for a transformation of capitalism in order to tackle climate change. If I remember right, he is already involved with the Integrated Reporting initiative to improve corporate reporting about impact ... and he is to be found in many initiatives that are of importance to society. With regard to Ruchika Arora's comment, I would observe that the British monarchy has evolved in an amazing way over the past 100 years. While there is a celebration of 'tradition' and respect for the traditions, the transformation of the operations of the monarchy in a constitutional manner to suit the 21st century is quite impressive. I believe Prince Charles is a significant 'thought leader' in the English speaking world.

Peter Burgess - TrueValueMetrics Multi Dimension Impact Accounting Delete Edit Comment 14 minutes left to edit