The Prince of Wales Will Participate in Cop30 in South America
The Prince of Wales is scheduled to attend the important UN climate summit in the South American nation in the coming weeks, though the PM's participation is still unconfirmed.
Prince William is set to award the prestigious climate innovation prize and take part in the conference of delegates from in excess of 190 governments in Belém.
Environmental Specialists Applaud Royal Attendance
Climate specialists applauded the royal's presence. One consultant noted that it would enhance what is likely to be a difficult summit, where world consensus on fresh goals for cutting carbon emissions is required.
"Does the Prince's attendance at Cop a stunt? Certainly. But it doesn't imply it's a bad idea," the expert said. "The summit has often been as much about so-called 'optics' as it is about talks. The Prince's announcement will almost certainly encourage other leaders to engage, and will capture international press."
"It's likely the Prince understands clearly that by attending, he'll draw countless of eyes to the event. In an period when climate impacts are growing, but news reporting is declining, any action that highlights the issue should be welcomed."
Royal Presence at Past Cops
King Charles has been present at past Cops, but will not attend in Cop30.
Support from Environmental Thinktanks
A leader from a climate research unit commented: "Everyone must contribute – and any prominent person like the Prince of Wales, present helping advocate for the complex job that is required, is probably a positive development."
"The monarch] was in his previous role when he went to the Glasgow summit and pitched in to galvanise talks. I don't believe it necessarily requires the two royals to go."
Prime Minister's Attendance Still Uncertain
The British prime minister has not yet said whether he will participate in the meeting, to which all world leaders are expected, with scores set to attend. The leader was heavily criticised by influential sustainability leaders for appearing to waver on the commitment in recent weeks.
"Global officials should be in Belém for Cop30. Participation is not a courtesy, it is a measure of commitment. This is the moment to secure enhanced national commitments and the finance to achieve them, especially for adaptation" to the impacts of the global warming.
"Global citizens is watching, and the future will remember who participated."
