The Archbishop of Canterbury has said “it is tempting to despair” over climate change, but insists there are reasons to be hopeful in his new year message.

The Most Rev Justin Welby will use his annual message to highlight positive change amid mounting global concern over the future of the planet.

Speaking at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, he will say: “When it comes to climate change, it is tempting to despair, but there are real reasons to hope.

“Last year, faith leaders representing three-quarters of the world’s population stood together at the Vatican and called for definitive action on climate change.

“People of every background are campaigning and working for justice. Important steps were taken at the Cop26 summit. World leaders recognise the problem. Now they must agree and implement a fair solution for everyone.

“When we plant a seed, we don’t see the fruit immediately. But under the surface, God is working with what we have planted… This year, let’s keep planting those seeds – let’s keep moving forward in hope.”

Solutions to protecting endangered plants

The Archbishop visited Kew Gardens to learn about scientists researching solutions to protect endangered plants.

In his new year message, to be broadcast on BBC One, he will add: “Kew scientists know that all life on earth, including our own, depends on plants and fungi. And yet, one fifth of the world’s plant species are at risk of extinction because of multiple threats, including climate change.

“Meanwhile, hundreds of millions of people are already suffering the impacts of our rapidly warming planet – extreme weather, droughts and famines, and conflicts intensified by competition over natural resources.”

This is not the first time he has spoken out about climate change. In November, he came under criticism and issued an apology after likening the threat posed by the climate crisis to that of the Holocaust.

The Archbishop’s New Year message will be shown on New Year’s Day on BBC One at 1.15pm, and will be repeated on BBC Two at 4.25pm