Prince William Set for Cop30 in South America
Prince William is scheduled to join the key Cop30 in Brazil in the coming weeks, but the PM's attendance remains unconfirmed.
The Prince is set to award the prestigious climate innovation prize and attend the conference of representatives from over 190 countries in Belém.
Environmental Specialists Welcome Prince William's Attendance
Environmental experts welcomed the prince's presence. An environmental strategist commented that it would lift what is expected to be a challenging summit, where world consensus on new targets for cutting carbon emissions is essential.
"Is the Prince's attendance at the summit a publicity move? Certainly. But that doesn't mean it's a poor decision," she said. "The summit has historically been as much about so-called 'optics' as it is about talks. Prince William's decision will likely inspire other delegates to commit, and will draw international press."
"I suspect HRH knows very well that by attending, he'll attract numerous of eyes to the conference. In an time when climate impacts are escalating, but media coverage is falling, any effort that draws attention should be welcomed."
Royal Attendance at Past Cops
The monarch has attended previous Cops, but will not be going in the upcoming event.
Endorsement from Climate Organizations
An expert from an environmental thinktank remarked: "Everyone must contribute – and any prominent person like the Prince of Wales, present assisting argue for the complex task that is required, is almost certainly a positive development."
"The monarch] was the Prince of Wales when he went to Cop26 and helped to energize negotiations. I would argue it necessarily needs the two royals to go."
PM's Attendance Remains Unconfirmed
The UK's leader has not confirmed if he will attend the conference, to which every world leaders are asked, with many set to attend. The leader was widely condemned by prominent climate advocates for appearing to waver on the commitment in recent weeks.
"Global officials must be in Belém for the climate conference. Attendance is not optional, it is a test of leadership. This is the moment to lock in enhanced country pledges and the finance to implement them, especially for adaptation" to the consequences of the global warming.
"The world is paying attention, and the future will note who was present."