Charles III Expresses Concerns About Earth's Future to Trump, Likely Ignored by Him.
King Charles III and President Trump to Discuss Climate Change During State Visit
King Charles III is set to meet with President Donald Trump during an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom, providing an opportunity for the monarch to influence the president on the issue of climate change.
During their first meeting in June 2019, Prince Charles expressed his concerns about climate change, dominating the conversation and reportedly strengthening the king's convictions on the matter. The meeting, which lasted for an hour and a half instead of the scheduled 15 minutes, was marked by the prince's focus on the importance of international progress on climate change and the potential impacts of climate change on global weather.
However, President Trump has demonstrated a lack of understanding on the crucial points of how fossil fuels, carbon emissions, and climate change are affecting the planet. Despite being briefed on the king's views on the environment, it remains unclear if the president will change his views on climate change. The U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris climate accords and the Department of Energy has rejected established climate science.
If Reform UK, a party led by Nigel Farage, wins the next election, Charles' potential advocacy for climate action may be restrained by a government opposed to action on climate change. This presents a challenge for the king, as he has a constitutional duty to support the elected government of the day in foreign relations, but must navigate the issue without stressing the U.K.'s constitutional settlement.
Jonathan Dimbleby, a friend and biographer of the king, expects Charles to speak in favor of international climate action during the upcoming meeting. Michael Mann, a leading U.S. climate scientist, believes it is difficult for Trump to change his views on climate change as they are not informed by his understanding of the science or consequences.
As the meeting approaches, the king is expected to prepare thoughts on how to combine his lifetime's campaigning and reading with the Foreign Office briefings. Trump, on the other hand, is expected to be prepared for the meeting, knowing exactly what the king has said about climate change and its effects on American interests.
The former senior British government official expects the king to use his influence to emphasise the global implications of climate change and the urgent need for action. Trump often uses obfuscation when discussing climate change, such as praising the environment while also criticising wind energy.
The upcoming meeting between King Charles III and President Trump promises to be a significant event, with multiple opportunities for the two leaders to discuss climate change and its impacts on the world. Whether the meeting will lead to a change in the president's views on climate change remains to be seen.
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