Weather-related News: King Charles Issues Climate Warning to Former President Trump, Anticipating Disregard
King Charles III, now reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, finds himself in a complex position regarding climate change. As the world grapples with the consequences of the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and its denial of established scientific data on climate change, Charles is increasingly convinced that inaction could lead to 'inevitable catastrophes.'
The U.S.'s stance on climate change poses a challenge for Charles, who must balance his personal convictions with the need to maintain transatlantic relations. The U.S.'s role in commerce, Ukraine, and European security is crucial, and Charles may not want any actions or words from the king that might disrupt these relations.
In 2019, during a meeting with then-President Donald Trump, climate change was the dominant theme of their conversation. Charles expressed his passion for climate action, stating that without global action, the world is 'on the brink of potential disaster.' Trump, according to reports, received a complete briefing on Charles' opinions on the environment in preparation for the meeting.
The meeting, which lasted an hour and a half, was longer than planned, and Charles spoke extensively during the discussion. Melania Trump, in her 2024 memoirs, wrote about an 'interesting conversation' about environmental preservation during the meeting.
In the intervening years, Charles' convictions about the importance of addressing climate change have reportedly strengthened. He fears 'failing in his duty to future generations and the Earth itself' if he doesn't speak out about climate change.
As the U.S. prepares for a second state visit with King Charles, the stakes are higher than in 2019. Any openly political conversation about climate change risks testing the constitutional agreement between government and monarch in the UK. Some who have worked with Trump believe that Charles has a better chance than others of getting an attentive ear from the American president due to the unique place that Britain and the royal family occupy in his worldview.
During the state banquet speech, Charles may use subtle language to express his concerns about climate change and biodiversity. He may also offer Trump a copy of his book, 'Harmony,' as a subtle way to make his point about ecology and sustainability.
However, the political landscape in the UK could limit Charles' potential advocacy for climate action. If British voters choose Reform UK in the next elections, a government opposed to any climate action may be in power. The Labour Party's focus on an ambitious ecological transition provides King Charles with an opportunity to speak out in favor of international climate action.
Ian Skelly, the former speechwriter who co-wrote King Charles' book 'Harmony,' predicted that Charles would walk a delicate diplomatic line but that he 'isn't someone who sits on the sidelines or stays silent.' Jonathan Dimbleby, a friend and biographer of the king, expects him to raise the issue of climate change and biodiversity during their private conversations with Trump.
As the meeting at Windsor Castle approaches, the world watches with bated breath, hoping that King Charles III can use his unique position to influence global action on climate change.
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