The Prince of William to Attend UN Climate Summit in South America
Prince William will join the critical Cop30 in the South American nation next month, though the PM's participation is still to be determined.
The Prince will introduce the Earthshot prize and attend the gathering of officials from over 190 countries in Belém.
Climate Specialists Welcome Prince William's Participation
Sustainability leaders applauded the royal's participation. One consultant noted that it would enhance what is anticipated to be a difficult summit, where world agreement on updated goals for cutting greenhouse gas emissions is required.
"Is the Prince's attendance at the summit a stunt? Yes. But it doesn't imply it's a bad idea," she said. "The summit has often been as much about what's termed 'optics' as it is about talks. The Prince's announcement will likely encourage other officials to commit, and will attract global media."
"I believe the Prince understands clearly that by showing up, he'll attract numerous of attention to the summit. In an time when global warming consequences are escalating, but news reporting is dropping, any action that highlights the issue should be celebrated."
Monarch's Presence at Previous Cops
King Charles has participated in earlier Cops, but has decided not to be going in the upcoming event.
Support from Environmental Thinktanks
A representative from a climate research unit said: "Everyone must contribute – and every prominent figure like the Prince of Wales, in attendance supporting argue for the difficult work that must be done, is almost certainly a good thing."
"[King Charles was in his previous role when he went to the Glasgow summit and pitched in to motivate negotiations. I don't think it necessarily needs both of them to participate."
Prime Minister's Decision Still Unconfirmed
The PM has not yet said whether he will attend the meeting, to which all world leaders are asked, with many already confirmed. The leader was widely condemned by influential sustainability leaders for showing indecision on the commitment recently.
"World leaders must be in the summit location for the climate conference. Attendance is not merely symbolic, it is a demonstration of responsibility. This is the moment to lock in enhanced national commitments and the funding to deliver them, especially for resilience" to the effects of the climate crisis.
"International observers is observing, and history will note who participated."