🔗 Share this article The Prince of William Set for UN Climate Summit in South America Prince William is scheduled to participate in the important UN climate summit in Brazil in the coming weeks, however the prime minister's attendance is still to be determined. The Prince will introduce the prestigious climate innovation prize and engage with the gathering of delegates from more than 190 countries in the Brazilian city. Environmental Specialists Applaud Prince William's Attendance Environmental experts praised the prince's participation. An environmental strategist stated that it would lift what is expected to be a challenging summit, where global consensus on updated goals for reducing climate pollutants is required. "Is the Prince's presence at Cop a stunt? Certainly. But that doesn't mean it's a bad idea," the expert commented. "The summit has often been as much about what's termed 'optics' as it is about discussions. The Prince's commitment will probably motivate other leaders to participate, and will attract worldwide attention." "It's likely HRH is fully aware that by participating, he'll attract countless of attention to the summit. In an period when environmental effects are escalating, but media coverage is falling, any effort that draws attention should be applauded." Royal Presence at Previous Climate Summits King Charles has participated in earlier Cops, but is not attend in this one. Support from Climate Thinktanks An expert from a sustainability organization said: "Everyone must contribute – and any high-profile individual like the Prince of Wales, in attendance assisting advocate for the complex job that is required, is likely a positive development." "The monarch] was in his previous role when he attended Cop26 and helped to galvanise negotiations. I don't believe it necessarily needs the two royals to participate." PM's Decision Remains Unconfirmed The British prime minister has yet to announce if they will attend the summit, to which all world leaders are asked, with numerous already confirmed. He was strongly criticized by leading sustainability leaders for seeming hesitant on the decision in recent weeks. "World leaders need to be in Brazil for the climate conference. Attendance is not a courtesy, it is a test of leadership. This is the moment to secure more ambitious government targets and the funding to achieve them, especially for adaptation" to the consequences of the environmental emergency. "The world is watching, and history will record who participated."