Britain’s King Charles initiated his visit to the United Arab Emirates aiming to advocate for global action concerning climate change at the COP28 summit. He arrived overnight and is expected to deliver a significant speech on climate change at the U.N. climate negotiations in Dubai, continuing until Decembe r 12th. This marks his first major address on climate change since becoming monarch in September 2022. Several world leaders, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are scheduled to attend; however, U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping will not be present.

Amidst a year marked by record-high temperatures, there’s mounting pressure for this summit to expedite actions aimed at curbing climate change. Yet, countries remain divided regarding the future of fossil fuels, which are a primary cause of climate change. Notably, the host country, the United Arab Emirates, being a significant oil producer and part of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), aims to involve the fossil fuel industry in the climate discourse.

During his visit to the COP28 site in Dubai, King Charles engaged in discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and had a brief interaction with UAE Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Nahyan. At a reception at the COP28 site, attended by the King, United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell emphasized the urgent need for action, highlighting the severity of climate impacts globally, affecting human lives and livelihoods.

Prior to this, King Charles had bilateral meetings with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Guyanan President Irfaan Ali at a Dubai hotel. He also met with indigenous leaders from First Nations and visited the Dubai campus of the Scottish university Heriot-Watt. The British monarch, aged 75, has been an environmental advocate for over 50 years. He attends the summit on behalf of the UK government, following an invitation from the UAE.