Prince William to Attend UN Climate Summit in South America
Prince William will join the critical UN climate summit in the South American nation in the coming weeks, though the prime minister's attendance is still undecided.
The Prince will introduce the global environmental award and take part in the gathering of delegates from more than 190 countries in the Brazilian city.
Climate Specialists Welcome Royal Attendance
Climate specialists applauded the royal's involvement. An environmental strategist stated that it would enhance what is likely to be a challenging summit, where international agreement on new goals for cutting carbon emissions is necessary.
"Is the Prince's attendance at Cop a publicity move? Yes. But it doesn't imply it's a bad idea," the expert remarked. "The summit has often been as much about so-called 'optics' as it is about discussions. Prince William's commitment will probably encourage other delegates to participate, and will attract global media."
"I believe HRH knows very well that by showing up, he'll draw countless of viewers to the event. In an period when global warming consequences are increasing, but press attention is declining, anything that highlights the issue should be applauded."
Royal Presence at Past Cops
The monarch has participated in past climate conferences, but is not attend in the upcoming event.
Endorsement from Climate Organizations
A representative from an environmental thinktank said: "Everyone must contribute – and every influential individual like Prince William, there helping advocate for the challenging work that must be done, is probably a positive development."
"[King Charles was the Prince of Wales when he attended the Glasgow summit and helped to motivate talks. I don't believe it necessarily needs the prince and the king to participate."
Prime Minister's Attendance Still Unconfirmed
The British prime minister has not confirmed whether he will attend the summit, to which every global leaders are expected, with many planning to join. He was strongly criticized by influential climate advocates for appearing to waver on the decision earlier this month.
"International representatives must be in Belém for the climate conference. Participation is not a courtesy, it is a demonstration of responsibility. This is the time to establish stronger government targets and the resources to deliver them, especially for adaptation" to the consequences of the environmental emergency.
"The world is watching, and history will record who was present."
