Prince Wales to Attend UN Climate Summit in Brazil
Prince William will participate in the key UN climate summit in Brazil next month, however the PM's attendance is still undecided.
Prince William will introduce the Earthshot prize and attend the gathering of officials from more than 190 governments in the Brazilian city.
Environmental Experts Applaud Royal Participation
Climate specialists praised the prince's involvement. A sustainability expert commented that it would lift what is likely to be a complex summit, where global agreement on fresh objectives for lowering greenhouse gas emissions is required.
"Is the Prince's attendance at the summit a stunt? Yes. But it doesn't imply it's a bad idea," she said. "Cop has often been as much about what's termed 'optics' as it is about discussions. The Prince's decision will probably inspire other leaders to commit, and will capture worldwide attention."
"I believe the Prince is fully aware that by attending, he'll draw numerous of viewers to the summit. In an time when climate impacts are increasing, but news reporting is dropping, anything that raises awareness should be welcomed."
Monarch's Attendance at Previous Cops
The monarch has participated in earlier climate conferences, but is not attend in the upcoming event.
Endorsement from Environmental Organizations
A leader from a climate research unit said: "Everyone must contribute – and every prominent individual like Prince William, in attendance helping make the case for the difficult task that needs doing, is almost certainly a good thing."
"The monarch] was in his previous role when he attended the Glasgow summit and contributed to motivate talks. I don't think it necessarily requires the two royals to go."
PM's Attendance Still Unconfirmed
The UK's leader has yet to announce whether he will attend the conference, to which every global leaders are invited, with numerous set to attend. He was heavily criticised by prominent sustainability leaders for seeming hesitant on the choice recently.
"Global officials need to be in Brazil for the climate conference. Attendance is not a courtesy, it is a measure of commitment. This is the moment to lock in more ambitious country pledges and the resources to achieve them, especially for preparedness" to the consequences of the environmental emergency.
"International observers is paying attention, and posterity will note who participated."
