🔗 Share this article

The Prince of Wales will join the important UN climate summit in the South American nation next month, though the PM's attendance remains undecided.

Prince William is set to award the prestigious climate innovation prize and attend the meeting of delegates from in excess of 190 countries in Belém.

Climate Specialists Applaud Royal Attendance

Sustainability leaders welcomed the royal's participation. A sustainability expert commented that it would lift what is likely to be a difficult summit, where world consensus on new goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is necessary.

"Is Prince William presence at the summit a stunt? Yes. But it doesn't imply it's a bad idea," the expert commented. "The summit has historically been as much about what's termed 'optics' as it is about discussions. The Prince's announcement will likely encourage other leaders to participate, and will capture worldwide attention."

"It's likely HRH is fully aware that by attending, he'll bring countless of attention to the conference. In an era when climate impacts are growing, but news reporting is declining, any effort that draws attention should be applauded."

Royal Presence at Previous Cops

King Charles has been present at past Cops, but is not be going in this one.

Support from Environmental Organizations

A representative from a sustainability organization commented: "All hands on deck – and any prominent individual like the Prince of Wales, in attendance assisting make the case for the difficult job that must be done, is almost certainly a beneficial move."

"The monarch] was the Prince of Wales when he went to Cop26 and contributed to energize negotiations. I would argue it always requires the prince and the king to go."

Prime Minister's Attendance Still Uncertain

The PM has yet to announce if they will participate in the meeting, to which all global leaders are asked, with numerous already confirmed. The leader was widely condemned by prominent environmental voices for seeming hesitant on the choice in recent weeks.

"Global officials must be in Brazil for the climate conference. Attendance is not a courtesy, it is a demonstration of responsibility. This is the moment to secure stronger national commitments and the funding to achieve them, especially for adaptation" to the consequences of the global warming.

"International observers is watching, and the future will remember who was present."