UN climate chief Simon Stiell has called on countries to fulfil their existing climate finance commitments, stressing that predictable funding is essential to turn climate plans into investments and tangible action. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, he also urged countries to accelerate efforts to triple adaptation finance by 2035.
The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) had proposed including the tripling of adaptation finance as a standalone agenda item at COP31, but the proposal failed to secure consensus.
Asked about the proposal, Stiell said, “The agenda of each COP is a matter for all countries in this process to determine, under the guidance of the COP presidency each year.”
He added that delivering on existing financial pledges and advancing the Baku to Belém Roadmap were essential to scaling up climate finance to USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035. He also stressed that adaptation funding must reach vulnerable communities most affected by climate change.
Under the proposed financing arrangements, developing countries are expected to receive $300 billion annually from industrialised nations by 2035, alongside around $1 trillion from other sources. Developing countries, including India, have been urging wealthy nations to convert earlier commitments into predictable and accessible funding.
At the opening of COP31, India reiterated that developed countries must fulfil their climate finance obligations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which requires them to support developing nations in reducing emissions and preparing for climate disasters.
Stiell also highlighted the Turkish Presidency’s proposed global 35-by-35 electrification pledge, saying electrification powered by renewable energy and better grids could lower energy costs and pollution.
He welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on the Green Energy Corridor to strengthen grids and battery storage, calling it a major step for India’s economy and people.
Stiell said COP31 was focused on practical solutions through negotiations and the Global Climate Action Agenda, including mitigation, adaptation, climate finance and just transitions.
He added that electrification, reducing waste and cutting methane emissions were key priorities. According to Stiell, up to 75 per cent of energy demand can already be electrified using existing technologies, and the priority now is to accelerate their deployment.
