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Prince William plans to participate in the important UN climate summit in Brazil in the coming weeks, but the prime minister's attendance is still to be determined.

Prince William is set to award the prestigious climate innovation prize and take part in the gathering of representatives from in excess of 190 governments in Belém.

Environmental Experts Applaud Prince William's Participation

Sustainability leaders applauded the prince's involvement. One consultant commented that it would enhance what is expected to be a challenging summit, where world agreement on fresh targets for lowering greenhouse gas emissions is necessary.

"Is the Prince's attendance at the summit a stunt? Yes. But that doesn't mean it's a poor decision," she commented. "The summit has long been as much about what's termed 'optics' as it is about talks. The Prince's decision will probably inspire other delegates to participate, and will attract global media."

"I believe HRH understands clearly that by showing up, he'll attract countless of attention to the event. In an era when global warming consequences are escalating, but press attention is falling, anything that raises awareness should be celebrated."

Royal Attendance at Past Climate Summits

The monarch has attended previous UN summits, but will not attend in Cop30.

Endorsement from Climate Thinktanks

A representative from a climate research unit said: "Everyone must contribute – and every influential figure like Prince William, there supporting make the case for the complex task that must be done, is probably a good thing."

"The monarch] was the Prince of Wales when he went to the Glasgow summit and pitched in to motivate discussions. I would argue it necessarily needs the prince and the king to go."

Prime Minister's Attendance Still Uncertain

The British prime minister has not confirmed if he will attend the conference, to which all international officials are expected, with scores already confirmed. The leader was strongly criticized by leading sustainability leaders for seeming hesitant on the commitment earlier this month.

"International representatives should be in the summit location for the climate conference. Participation is not a courtesy, it is a measure of commitment. This is the opportunity to establish stronger government targets and the finance to deliver them, especially for preparedness" to the effects of the environmental emergency.

"The world is observing, and the future will note who was present."