The Prince of Wales Set for UN Climate Summit in Brazil
The Prince of Wales is scheduled to participate in the key UN climate summit in the South American nation next month, but the PM's attendance is still to be determined.
The Prince will present the prestigious climate innovation prize and attend the conference of representatives from more than 190 governments in Belém.
Climate Experts Applaud Royal Participation
Sustainability leaders praised the royal's presence. A sustainability expert commented that it would boost what is likely to be a challenging meeting, where international consensus on new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is necessary.
"Is Prince William attendance at Cop a stunt? Yes. But that doesn't mean it's a poor decision," she said. "Cop has historically been as much about so-called 'optics' as it is about discussions. The Prince's decision will likely inspire other leaders to participate, and will capture international press."
"It's likely HRH understands clearly that by attending, he'll bring numerous of eyes to the conference. In an period when environmental effects are increasing, but news reporting is falling, any effort that highlights the issue should be celebrated."
Royal Attendance at Past Cops
The monarch has attended previous Cops, but will not participate in the upcoming event.
Support from Climate Organizations
A representative from an environmental thinktank remarked: "All hands on deck – and any prominent person like Prince William, there assisting argue for the challenging job that is required, is almost certainly a beneficial move."
"The monarch] was the Prince of Wales when he went to the Glasgow summit and contributed to energize talks. I don't think it always requires the prince and the king to participate."
PM's Attendance Still Uncertain
The PM has not yet said if he plans to join the conference, to which all world leaders are invited, with scores planning to join. The leader was widely condemned by influential climate advocates for appearing to waver on the choice recently.
"World leaders should be in Belém for Cop30. Attendance is not merely symbolic, it is a measure of commitment. This is the time to secure more ambitious country pledges and the funding to achieve them, especially for preparedness" to the impacts of the environmental emergency.
"International observers is observing, and the future will record who was present."
