🔗 Share this article Prince Wales Will Participate in Cop30 in South America Prince William is scheduled to participate in the important UN climate summit in Brazil next month, though the prime minister's attendance is still undecided. The Prince will present the prestigious climate innovation prize and attend the meeting of representatives from over 190 nations in the Brazilian city. Environmental Specialists Welcome Royal Participation Climate specialists applauded the royal's participation. A sustainability expert noted that it would lift what is anticipated to be a challenging conference, where world consensus on new objectives for cutting climate pollutants is required. "Does Prince William attendance at Cop a stunt? Certainly. But it doesn't imply it's a bad idea," she said. "Cop has often been as much about so-called 'optics' as it is about negotiations. The Prince's commitment will likely encourage other leaders to engage, and will capture worldwide attention." "I believe HRH is fully aware that by participating, he'll attract countless of attention to the event. In an period when climate impacts are increasing, but media coverage is declining, any action that highlights the issue should be celebrated." Royal Presence at Previous Climate Summits The monarch has participated in past UN summits, but will not attend in this one. Endorsement from Environmental Thinktanks An expert from a climate research unit said: "All hands on deck – and every high-profile person like the Prince of Wales, there helping make the case for the difficult job that is required, is probably a positive development." "The monarch] was in his previous role when he participated in Cop26 and contributed to energize talks. I would argue it necessarily requires both of them to go." Prime Minister's Decision Still Uncertain The UK's leader has not confirmed if they will participate in the meeting, to which every global leaders are invited, with many planning to join. He was heavily criticised by prominent environmental voices for seeming hesitant on the decision recently. "World leaders must be in Brazil for the climate conference. Participation is not optional, it is a demonstration of responsibility. This is the opportunity to establish more ambitious national commitments and the resources to implement them, especially for resilience" to the consequences of the environmental emergency. "The world is observing, and posterity will note who showed up."