🔗 Share this article The Prince of Wales Set for UN Climate Summit in South America The Prince of Wales is scheduled to participate in the important Cop30 in the South American nation in the coming weeks, though the prime minister's participation is still unconfirmed. The Prince is set to award the prestigious climate innovation prize and take part in the meeting of representatives from more than 190 countries in Belém. Environmental Experts Welcome Prince William's Participation Climate specialists praised the royal's presence. One consultant commented that it would enhance what is anticipated to be a difficult meeting, where international consensus on fresh targets for lowering carbon emissions is essential. "Is Prince William attendance at Cop a stunt? Yes. But that doesn't mean it's a bad idea," the expert said. "The summit has long been as much about what's termed 'optics' as it is about negotiations. The Prince's decision will almost certainly motivate other leaders to commit, and will attract worldwide attention." "I believe HRH knows very well that by participating, he'll draw numerous of viewers to the conference. In an era when climate impacts are growing, but press attention is declining, anything that highlights the issue should be celebrated." Monarch's Attendance at Past Climate Summits King Charles has participated in earlier Cops, but will not attend in this one. Support from Environmental Thinktanks A representative from a climate research unit said: "All hands on deck – and every prominent figure like the Prince of Wales, in attendance assisting make the case for the difficult job that is required, is probably a positive development." "The monarch] was in his previous role when he went to the Glasgow summit and pitched in to energize negotiations. I would argue it necessarily needs the prince and the king to participate." Prime Minister's Attendance Remains Uncertain The British prime minister has not yet said whether he will participate in the summit, to which every global leaders are asked, with scores set to attend. He was widely condemned by leading climate advocates for showing indecision on the choice in recent weeks. "Global officials must be in Brazil for Cop30. Participation is not a courtesy, it is a measure of commitment. This is the time to establish enhanced government targets and the resources to implement them, especially for preparedness" to the consequences of the climate crisis. "The world is paying attention, and the future will note who participated."