The Prince of William to Attend UN Climate Summit in South America
Prince William plans to participate in the critical UN climate summit in Brazil next month, but the PM's attendance remains undecided.
Prince William will present the Earthshot prize and attend the meeting of delegates from in excess of 190 nations in Belém.
Climate Experts Applaud Prince William's Participation
Environmental experts praised the prince's participation. An environmental strategist noted that it would lift what is expected to be a challenging conference, where world agreement on updated goals for lowering carbon emissions is required.
"Is the Prince's presence at Cop a stunt? Yes. But that doesn't mean it's a bad idea," she remarked. "The summit has historically been as much about so-called 'optics' as it is about negotiations. Prince William's announcement will probably encourage other delegates to commit, and will capture international press."
"I suspect the Prince understands clearly that by showing up, he'll draw numerous of attention to the summit. In an era when climate impacts are escalating, but press attention is declining, any effort that raises awareness should be applauded."
Monarch's Presence at Past Climate Summits
The monarch has attended past climate conferences, but will not attend in the upcoming event.
Support from Climate Organizations
A representative from a sustainability organization said: "All hands on deck – and every influential figure like Prince William, present assisting make the case for the challenging work that must be done, is likely a positive development."
"The monarch] was in his previous role when he participated in the Glasgow summit and contributed to energize negotiations. I would argue it necessarily needs the prince and the king to participate."
PM's Attendance Still Unconfirmed
The PM has yet to announce whether he will attend the summit, to which every world leaders are expected, with many planning to join. He was heavily criticised by leading sustainability leaders for seeming hesitant on the commitment recently.
"World leaders need to be in the summit location for the climate conference. Attendance is not optional, it is a demonstration of responsibility. This is the moment to establish enhanced government targets and the funding to deliver them, especially for preparedness" to the consequences of the global warming.
"The world is watching, and history will remember who participated."