Prince Wales to Attend UN Climate Summit in South America
Prince William plans to attend the key UN climate summit in Brazil next month, though the prime minister's attendance remains undecided.
Prince William is set to award the global environmental award and take part in the conference of delegates from in excess of 190 governments in the Brazilian city.
Environmental Specialists Applaud Prince William's Attendance
Environmental experts applauded the prince's presence. A sustainability expert commented that it would lift what is anticipated to be a complex summit, where global agreement on fresh targets for cutting climate pollutants is necessary.
"Is the Prince's presence at Cop a stunt? Yes. But that doesn't mean it's a poor decision," the expert said. "The summit has historically been as much about so-called 'optics' as it is about negotiations. The Prince's announcement will almost certainly motivate other delegates to participate, and will capture global media."
"I believe HRH knows very well that by attending, he'll attract millions of eyes to the conference. In an time when climate impacts are escalating, but media coverage is dropping, any effort that raises awareness should be celebrated."
Monarch's Attendance at Previous Cops
King Charles has participated in previous UN summits, but is not be going in Cop30.
Support from Environmental Thinktanks
A leader from a sustainability organization commented: "Everyone must contribute – and any influential person like the Prince of Wales, present supporting make the case for the complex job that needs doing, is likely a beneficial move."
"The monarch] was in his previous role when he attended the Glasgow summit and helped to galvanise talks. I would argue it necessarily needs the prince and the king to attend."
Prime Minister's Attendance Still Uncertain
The British prime minister has not yet said whether they will participate in the summit, to which all global leaders are expected, with numerous already confirmed. He was strongly criticized by leading sustainability leaders for seeming hesitant on the commitment recently.
"International representatives must be in Belém for the climate conference. Attendance is not merely symbolic, it is a measure of commitment. This is the time to establish more ambitious government targets and the resources to achieve them, especially for preparedness" to the impacts of the environmental emergency.
"International observers is paying attention, and the future will record who showed up."
