King Charles has told how he is becoming "a frustrated old man" with attitudes towards the global climate emergency.
Lifelong environmentalist Charles said the world must rely on the younger generation if we are to avert an environmental catastrophe in the next few years.
On a boat ride around Hamburg’s sprawling harbour to view a state-of-the-art electrolyser site which helps generate power, the monarch said the world must realise the need to move towards more sustainable practices.
Talking to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Charles said: "I’m becoming a frustrated old man. It all seems obvious to me.
“The younger generation know, certainly.”
Alongside the King and president, the Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentsche told how a retired coal yard was now housing the revolutionary electrolyser and helping the city in its commitment to achieving a net zero emissions by 2050.
He said: “The benefit is, new technologies are developing at a rate….and new opportunities are being realised all the time.
“Hamburg will be a global leader in this no question.”
The city of two million is seen as a leader in adopting green technologies, as Friederich Stuhrmann, CEO of Port of Hamburg, told the sovereign.
“Our position is unique. We have a large population, an appetite to change and find ourselves in a unique history.”
Charles was shown an interactive screen on the top deck of the Rainer Abicht tour boat, detailing the five main sustainable growth sectors - Hydrogen & Wind Power, Sustainable Port Infrastructure, Renewable Generation Asset Development, Research & Development, and Sustainable Shipping.
The King listened intently, occasionally nodding in acknowledgement of the detail given by Mr Stuhrmann on how the local Hydrogen Economy in Northern Germany, is hoping to power millions of homes in the future.
Popping outside to the viewing deck halfway through the 45-minute journey down the River Elbe, Charles pointed in the direction of the Dockland Pier, described as a smart port energy station with its shore power facility.
Installed in 2015 to reduce air pollution, the station enables vessels to link into the national grid rather than continue to run their engines on unrefined oil in the harbour.
The ports’ Net Zero ambition requires all terminals in the port to be carbon-free by 2040.
Earlier today, the King stood shoulder to shoulder with Germany’s President in a symbol of reconciliation as they laid wreaths in remembrance of the victims of war.
In the ruins of a bombed-out Hamburg church, destroyed like much of the city by Second World War Allied raids, the King and Mr Steinmeier stood motionless after leaving floral tributes.
St Nikolai Memorial Church’s towering spire was a landmark used by bomber crews as they targeted the city port, but the sacred space has now become a monument against war.
Sheltering under umbrellas from the heavy rain, Charles and the Queen Consort went on a brief walkabout when they first arrived, meeting well-wishers who had gathered in the grounds of the ruined place of worship.
