Prince Charles: Storm Desmond floods highlight need to tackle climate change

The devastating flooding caused by Storm Desmond is linked to the failure to tackle climate change, the “root cause” of the problem, according to Prince Charles. The Prince, whose charity has given £40,000 to affected communities, also lashed out at climate sceptics in a speech on Thursday. “What right do they have to sacrifice our children and grandchildren’s future?” The flooding in Cumbria, caused by record rainfall, has forced thousands of people from their homes and caused damage estimated at £500m. Scientists said on Friday that global warming had made the flooding 40% more likely to occur. “You can’t simply ‘adapt’ to the ever-increasing, unprecedented levels of rainfall,” said Charles. “Already the flood defences erected after the last floods a few years ago have been overwhelmed.”