Antalya:The UN climate summit, COP31, commenced in Antalya, Turkey, on Monday, with an emphasis on transforming climate promises into tangible actions and enhancing aid for countries most vulnerable to climate change. As the conference unfolds from November 9 to 20, it gathers global leaders, ministers, and numerous stakeholders to deliberate on crucial matters such as emissions reductions, climate adaptation, and financial commitments.
According to Anadolu Agency, Turkey presides over the conference, while Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is set to lead the negotiations. A significant highlight of the event is the World Leaders' Summit, scheduled for November 11-12. This year's summit, themed "COP of the Future - COP of Implementation," aims to convert climate commitments into measurable outcomes.
The summit's presidency has outlined an Action Agenda that emphasizes priorities such as the transition to clean energy and electrification, zero waste initiatives, methane reduction, and the development of climate-resilient cities. Additionally, it focuses on green industrialization, food security, and the protection of oceans and seas. Other key areas include youth and education, resilient health systems, and cooperation on issues like climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation.
Targets proposed for 2035 as part of the agenda include increasing electricity's share in global final energy consumption to 35%, reducing energy use intensity in buildings by at least 25%, and raising the global circular material use rate to at least 15%. However, divisions persist among negotiators, especially regarding financing for developing countries and the push to phase out fossil fuels, following COP30's inability to establish a roadmap.
The UN Environment Programme's 2026 Emissions Gap Report indicates that even with full implementation of climate pledges, global warming could reach around 2.6°C this century, surpassing the Paris Agreement's targets. The report also predicts that developing countries will require approximately $305 billion annually for climate adaptation by 2035, contrasting sharply with the projected international public adaptation finance of $28.2 billion to $31.7 billion in 2024.
The urgency of the summit is underscored by a year of severe climate events, including catastrophic floods, deadly heatwaves, and prolonged droughts, which have amplified demands for accelerated emissions reductions and increased financial support.