Prince Wales Set for UN Climate Summit in South America
The Prince of Wales will participate in the key Cop30 in the South American nation in the coming weeks, however the PM's attendance remains to be determined.
The Prince will introduce the global environmental award and attend the gathering of officials from more than 190 governments in the Brazilian city.
Environmental Experts Applaud Prince William's Participation
Environmental experts applauded the royal's presence. An environmental strategist commented that it would lift what is expected to be a complex meeting, where world agreement on new targets for reducing climate pollutants is necessary.
"Is the Prince's presence at Cop a stunt? Certainly. But that doesn't mean it's a poor decision," she said. "Cop has often been as much about so-called 'optics' as it is about talks. Prince William's commitment will almost certainly encourage other delegates to participate, and will attract global media."
"It's likely HRH understands clearly that by attending, he'll attract countless of attention to the conference. In an era when environmental effects are escalating, but press attention is dropping, anything that raises awareness should be welcomed."
Monarch's Presence at Past Cops
King Charles has been present at earlier UN summits, but is not be going in this one.
Support from Climate Thinktanks
An expert from a sustainability organization said: "All hands on deck – and every influential individual like the Prince of Wales, in attendance assisting argue for the difficult job that is required, is likely a beneficial move."
"[King Charles was the Prince of Wales when he went to the Glasgow summit and helped to galvanise negotiations. I would argue it necessarily needs both of them to attend."
PM's Decision Still Uncertain
The PM has not confirmed whether he will attend the meeting, to which all world leaders are expected, with scores planning to join. The leader was widely condemned by influential climate advocates for seeming hesitant on the commitment in recent weeks.
"International representatives need to be in Belém for Cop30. Attendance is not optional, it is a test of leadership. This is the moment to secure more ambitious government targets and the finance to deliver them, especially for adaptation" to the impacts of the global warming.
"Global citizens is observing, and the future will note who showed up."
