The Prince of Wales to Attend UN Climate Summit in Brazil
Prince William is scheduled to attend the critical Cop30 in Brazil next month, however the prime minister's attendance is still unconfirmed.
The Prince is set to award the Earthshot prize and take part in the conference of delegates from in excess of 190 governments in Belém.
Environmental Experts Applaud Prince William's Participation
Climate specialists welcomed the royal's presence. A sustainability expert noted that it would boost what is likely to be a complex meeting, where international consensus on new targets for reducing climate pollutants is necessary.
"Is Prince William attendance at Cop a stunt? Certainly. But that doesn't mean it's a poor decision," she commented. "The summit has historically been as much about what's termed 'optics' as it is about talks. Prince William's decision will probably motivate other delegates to engage, and will draw worldwide attention."
"I believe HRH understands clearly that by showing up, he'll draw countless of attention to the conference. In an period when environmental effects are escalating, but media coverage is declining, any action that draws attention should be welcomed."
Royal Attendance at Past Cops
King Charles has attended past Cops, but is not participate in Cop30.
Support from Climate Thinktanks
A leader from a climate research unit said: "Full participation is needed – and every influential figure like the Prince of Wales, in attendance helping make the case for the difficult job that must be done, is almost certainly a beneficial move."
"The monarch] was in his previous role when he went to Cop26 and helped to motivate talks. I would argue it always needs both of them to attend."
PM's Attendance Remains Unconfirmed
The UK's leader has yet to announce if he will participate in the meeting, to which every global leaders are invited, with scores set to attend. The leader was widely condemned by influential climate advocates for showing indecision on the decision recently.
"International representatives should be in Belém for the climate conference. Participation is not a courtesy, it is a test of leadership. This is the opportunity to secure more ambitious government targets and the resources to achieve them, especially for adaptation" to the impacts of the environmental emergency.
"International observers is observing, and history will remember who participated."
