London, Mar 8 :  is to issue a warning that the world has only `100 months to act' before the damage caused by global warming becomes irreversible.

As part of a tour of South America, his speech to business leaders in Rio de Janeiro will echo predictions made by climate change experts who believe there are about eight years left to cut C02 emissions.

He will warn that failure to act urgently could have catastrophic effects for the planet, reports The Telegraph.

The speech will stress the importance of big business joining the fight against global warming.

He will say that although the world is in recession, protecting the environment should remain a priority.

It is believed the speech will echo one that he gave in Sao Paulo at the start of the last recession in 1991, when he warned that it was important to continue to care for the welfare of the planet and that it should not become "a luxury".

The prince''s tour will help to put the environment at the top of the political agenda before leaders of the G20 nations meet in London next month. (ANI)