Prince William's global mission to help save the planet is needed "more than ever before", according to his friend and fellow conservationist Robert Irwin.

Following in the footsteps of his late father Steve Irwin, one of the world’s most influential environmentalists in history, Robert has told how the Prince of Wales is “leading the way” to “inspire” the next generation of eco-warriors. The 21-year-old Australian, told how William’s environmental Earthshot Prize awards - aiming over the next decade to discover and scale innovative planet saving solutions - has brought “hope” and a sense of “urgent optimism” to communities around the world threatened by climate change.

The two men will this week once again join forces at London Climate Action Week, bringing together some of the world’s most prominent climate leaders and environmental innovators, as well as Indigenous Peoples and community leaders whose very existence is in perilous danger.

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In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Robert said: "I love being around passionate people, it inspires me. The prince is just that - passionate, curious and thoughtful. I’ve been fortunate enough to share many great discussions about the things we love about the natural world. And it's clear that he has a profound love for wildlife and wild places."

Robert, known around the world for continuing his father’s legacy running Australia Zoo and highlighting global conservation efforts with his frequent TV appearances, last year became an ambassador for William’s project, helping to spread his message of hope.

The Earthshot Prize searches the globe for game-changing innovations to help repair our planet, naming 15 finalists and awarding £1 million to the best five solutions each year to scale and grow. In addition to recognising five winners, the programme also works throughout the year to build public awareness, bring in investment and provide mentorship to all winners and finalists around the world.

The two men in November joined park rangers in Cape Town along a sun drenched scenic walk in the shadow of the iconic Table Mountain, to admire the beauty and biodiversity of South Africa.

Robert said: “The Earthshot Prize really stands out as a global mission that leads with a sense of hope. And let’s be real, we need hope more than ever before. We also need solutions to the big issues that face our precious planet and the project exemplifies a sense of urgent optimism.

“I have the privilege of carrying on a conservation legacy that my dad and my family created, and that is something very important to me. It makes me feel incredibly excited and hopeful when I get to join forces with like minded causes dedicated to making the world a better place. To be part of an initiative that shares the values of our own charity efforts through Wildlife Warriors is a great honour."

Paying tribute to the prince, who turned 43 today, Robert said dad-of-three William’s use of his profile aims to “make the world a better place” .

He added: “He knows that he can put a spotlight on people making a real difference. He takes this responsibility very seriously, and he has a great ability to direct attention to where it needs to be. He is very compassionate and works hard to make sure that his conservation efforts benefit people as much as the environment.

“I am always impressed by his knowledge and dedication and in the conversations I have had with him, I often learn something new. Most importantly though, he truly cares about a healthy planet for our future generations."

Speaking about their time in Cape Town for the fourth installment of the awards, Robert said: “Firstly, getting to spend the week in one of my favourite cities on earth was fantastic. “For me, speaking with the finalists and learning about what makes them passionate was a real highlight.

“Their connection to their causes are all deeply personal and very inspiring. It was also incredible meeting so many young conservationists and activists, and of course it was wonderful to spend time with the prince. I learn something new about his tireless efforts in conservation each time I have the chance to speak with him."

Earthshot - inspired both former US president John F Kennedy’s ambitious ‘Moonshot’ goal of landing a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s - will mark its fifth anniversary later this year in Brazil, with the promise of a stunning week of events in Rio de Janerio.

But despite the glamorous location, Robert said the sole objective of the prince’s mission and indeed the prize itself, was to highlight those places on earth that require our urgent focus. He said: "We are midway through the Earthshot decade of action and coming to the halfway point, it’s clear we need to double down on our mission and focus on fresh action.

“I feel that my generation is primed and ready to create huge change, and we need voices in the environmental space for us to look up to. The Prince is certainly leading the way, and in a time of such rapid change we all must come together to protect what is most important."

Royal sources suggest William has plans to take Earthshot to the four corners of the globe, already celebrating the awards in London, Boston in the United States, Singapore, Southeast Asia and Cape Town, South Africa. With the growth of the prize and its global focus, Robert said it was a collective responsibility to get on board.

He said: "The future is in our hands. Our generation has the power to protect the beautiful natural world, but we must act with unity and haste. We can’t work hard enough to spread this message, and everyone can play their part."

Sources say William is considering taking his Earthshot Prize to China despite the country being the biggest CO2 polluter in the world, believing you “can’t exclude a big chunk of the planet when thinking about fighting for its future”.

Robert even suggested he would use his friendship with William to lobby for the awards in his home country, adding: “All four corners of the globe need Earthshot! But of course I’d love to welcome Earthshot to Australia one day." Ahead of catching up with his pal, he wished him happy birthday adding: “He works tirelessly for the causes he loves so I also hope he takes some time out in nature on this special day."