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Prince William is scheduled to attend the important UN climate summit in the South American nation in the coming weeks, however the PM's participation remains to be determined.

Prince William is set to award the prestigious climate innovation prize and attend the conference of officials from more than 190 governments in the Brazilian city.

Environmental Specialists Welcome Prince William's Participation

Climate specialists welcomed the royal's presence. A sustainability expert commented that it would boost what is expected to be a difficult meeting, where international consensus on updated targets for lowering climate pollutants is necessary.

"Does Prince William presence at Cop a publicity move? Yes. But that doesn't mean it's a bad idea," she remarked. "The summit has long been as much about so-called 'optics' as it is about talks. The Prince's announcement will probably encourage other leaders to engage, and will capture worldwide attention."

"I suspect the Prince knows very well that by participating, he'll attract millions of attention to the conference. In an period when climate impacts are growing, but press attention is falling, anything that highlights the issue should be welcomed."

Monarch's Attendance at Past Cops

King Charles has been present at previous Cops, but will not be going in this one.

Support from Climate Organizations

A representative from an environmental thinktank said: "Everyone must contribute – and any prominent figure like Prince William, present helping argue for the complex task that is required, is probably a good thing."

"The monarch] was the Prince of Wales when he attended Cop26 and contributed to motivate talks. I don't believe it necessarily needs the two royals to go."

Prime Minister's Attendance Still Uncertain

The UK's leader has not yet said if he will attend the summit, to which all global leaders are invited, with numerous already confirmed. The leader was heavily criticised by influential sustainability leaders for appearing to waver on the choice in recent weeks.

"Global officials should be in Belém for Cop30. Participation is not merely symbolic, it is a demonstration of responsibility. This is the moment to lock in stronger national commitments and the resources to deliver them, especially for resilience" to the impacts of the climate crisis.

"The world is watching, and posterity will remember who participated."