Renowned Environmentalist Charles III Confirmed to Skip COP27
Prime Minister Sunak Intervenes... Prime Minister's Office States "No Disagreement with the Royal Family"
King Charles III of the United Kingdom (left) and Prime Minister Sunak did not attend the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27), leading to criticism that the UK is lukewarm on the climate crisis. Photo by AP Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seong-wook] It has been confirmed that the new British monarch, Charles III, will not attend the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27). COP is the highest decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, where heads of state from member countries gather to discuss the climate crisis. The UK was the host country of COP26 held in Glasgow last year.
According to the UK Guardian and others on the 29th (local time), the Prime Minister's Office announced that Charles III will not attend COP27, which will be held in Egypt from November 6 to 18. Charles III, a prominent environmentalist, had expressed his intention to attend ahead of his ascension to the throne in September, but it was canceled due to opposition from former Prime Minister Liz Truss. However, with Rishi Sunak taking office as Prime Minister in the meantime, there was speculation that the King's attendance at COP27 might be realized. Nevertheless, it is reported that Prime Minister Sunak held the same position as Truss regarding the King's attendance.
Charles III's attendance at COP27 attracted international attention. Egypt, the host country, issued a statement on the 3rd expressing that "his attendance at the conference would have added great value to the visibility of climate action at this critical time," and hoped "it would not signify a retreat by the UK on the global climate agenda since hosting COP26." Egypt has actively pursued his attendance, even recently sending another invitation to the British royal family for COP27.
John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, also said, "Charles III is a champion of environmental issues," and "It would be fantastic if he were present at COP27." In response to concerns that the British monarch's attendance might violate 'political neutrality,' Kerry emphasized, "I do not consider advocating for climate action a political matter," adding, "Climate issues are existential problems spreading worldwide, and Charles III's leadership is very important."
With Prime Minister Sunak blocking Charles III's attendance at COP27, there are concerns about a rift developing between the royal family and the Prime Minister's Office. The UK Times, citing anonymous sources, reported, "The King was eager to attend COP27," and "The King's disappointment with the government's decision will be very significant." However, the Prime Minister's Office stated, "There is no difference of opinion between Buckingham Palace and the Cabinet," and "The royal family has fully accepted the Prime Minister's recommendation regarding COP27."
With both the British Prime Minister and the King absent, there are criticisms that the UK is lukewarm on climate issues. Earlier, it was reported that Prime Minister Sunak would not attend COP27 due to urgent domestic matters such as managing Liz Truss's large-scale tax cuts. The Prime Minister's Office explained on the 27th, "We plan to focus on other urgent domestic and international tasks, including the autumn medium-term financial plan announcement on the 17th of next month, and will not attend the summit held in Egypt." Instead, the UK plans to send Alok Sharma, the COP26 President, and other ministers to attend.
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