Prince Wales to Attend UN Climate Summit in Brazil
Prince William plans to join the critical UN climate summit in Brazil next month, however the prime minister's attendance remains to be determined.
The Prince is set to award the prestigious climate innovation prize and take part in the meeting of officials from in excess of 190 nations in the Brazilian city.
Environmental Experts Applaud Prince William's Attendance
Environmental experts welcomed the royal's involvement. An environmental strategist noted that it would enhance what is anticipated to be a challenging summit, where global consensus on updated targets for lowering greenhouse gas emissions is essential.
"Is Prince William presence at the summit a publicity move? Certainly. But it doesn't imply it's a poor decision," she commented. "The summit has historically been as much about what's termed 'optics' as it is about negotiations. The Prince's decision will almost certainly motivate other leaders to engage, and will attract global media."
"It's likely the Prince is fully aware that by showing up, he'll bring millions of attention to the summit. In an time when climate impacts are escalating, but news reporting is dropping, anything that highlights the issue should be applauded."
Monarch's Attendance at Previous Cops
King Charles has attended earlier UN summits, but will not be going in the upcoming event.
Support from Climate Thinktanks
A leader from an environmental thinktank remarked: "Full participation is needed – and every influential person like the Prince of Wales, there supporting make the case for the complex work that needs doing, is likely a good thing."
"[King Charles was the Prince of Wales when he attended the Glasgow summit and contributed to galvanise discussions. I don't think it always needs both of them to attend."
Prime Minister's Decision Still Uncertain
The UK's leader has yet to announce whether they plans to join the meeting, to which every world leaders are invited, with many set to attend. He was heavily criticised by leading environmental voices for showing indecision on the choice in recent weeks.
"Global officials should be in Brazil for the climate conference. Attendance is not a courtesy, it is a test of leadership. This is the moment to lock in more ambitious government targets and the finance to achieve them, especially for preparedness" to the consequences of the environmental emergency.
"The world is observing, and the future will remember who was present."
