Prince Wales to Attend UN Climate Summit in Brazil
The Prince of Wales will attend the important Cop30 in the South American nation next month, though the PM's attendance is still to be determined.
The Prince is set to award the prestigious climate innovation prize and take part in the gathering of representatives from in excess of 190 governments in Belém.
Climate Specialists Welcome Royal Participation
Sustainability leaders praised the royal's participation. One consultant stated that it would boost what is expected to be a complex meeting, where global agreement on new goals for reducing carbon emissions is essential.
"Is Prince William presence at the summit a stunt? Certainly. But that doesn't mean it's a poor decision," she said. "The summit has long been as much about what's termed 'optics' as it is about talks. The Prince's announcement will likely encourage other delegates to engage, and will draw international press."
"It's likely the Prince knows very well that by showing up, he'll bring countless of eyes to the summit. In an era when environmental effects are escalating, but news reporting is dropping, anything that draws attention should be welcomed."
Royal Presence at Previous Climate Summits
The monarch has attended past UN summits, but is not participate in this one.
Support from Climate Thinktanks
An expert from a climate research unit said: "All hands on deck – and every high-profile individual like Prince William, in attendance assisting make the case for the complex work that is required, is almost certainly a positive development."
"The monarch] was in his previous role when he attended Cop26 and contributed to energize discussions. I would argue it always needs the prince and the king to attend."
Prime Minister's Attendance Still Unconfirmed
The UK's leader has not yet said if he plans to join the conference, to which every global leaders are invited, with scores already confirmed. The leader was strongly criticized by prominent sustainability leaders for showing indecision on the commitment in recent weeks.
"International representatives should be in Belém for Cop30. Attendance is not merely symbolic, it is a measure of commitment. This is the time to lock in enhanced country pledges and the funding to achieve them, especially for preparedness" to the consequences of the climate crisis.
"Global citizens is observing, and history will record who was present."
