Antalya: The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) began in Antalya, Türkiye, on Monday, bringing together representatives from nearly 200 countries to discuss climate action, energy transition and financial support for developing nations amid growing geopolitical tensions and escalating climate threats.
More than 100,000 participants are expected to attend the two-week summit at a sprawling exhibition centre in the Mediterranean city. Negotiators face challenging discussions on accelerating the shift towards renewable energy and mobilising funds for countries struggling with the effects of climate change.
The summit comes against a backdrop of extreme weather events, including heatwaves across Europe, wildfires in Indonesia and devastating floods in Nepal following a glacier collapse. An unusually strong El Niño phenomenon is also expected to intensify later this year, potentially making 2026 or 2027 the hottest year on record.
The United Nations has warned that global temperatures are on course to exceed the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Türkiye is hosting the summit, while Australia is overseeing negotiations under an arrangement reached to resolve a dispute over the conference’s hosting. Branded the ‘Implementation COP’, the event aims to translate previous climate commitments into concrete measures.
A key proposal seeks to increase electricity’s share of global energy consumption from approximately 20% to 35% by 2035. However, disagreements over what constitutes clean electrification could complicate discussions.
Climate finance is another major concern, with developing nations demanding greater assistance from wealthier countries to strengthen climate resilience. African nations are particularly pressing for increased adaptation funding.
The absence of the United States, following President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, is also expected to influence climate negotiations. Despite these challenges, negotiators have expressed optimism about achieving meaningful outcomes.
