COP31 climate summit opens in Antalya, with energy crisis and climate finance in focus
The United Nations COP31 climate summit opened on Monday in Antalya, Turkiye. Running until 20 November, the summit brings together delegates from around the world to discuss cutting emissions, expanding electrification, reducing methane and building more resilient cities.
Delegates arrived at the conference venue beneath rows of national flags and prominent COP31 signs, while buses and vehicles lined the surrounding roads.
This year's talks are taking place amid turmoil in global energy markets. The war in Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, driving up fuel and fertiliser prices. The disruption has renewed debate over energy security and investment in renewables.
Reports on the opening noted that the war-driven energy disruption has brought a renewed reliance on fossil fuels, while activists have demanded climate action.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned that progress remained 'nowhere near far enough or fair enough', urging governments to deliver on existing promises.
Climate finance for developing countries and the role of natural gas are expected to dominate negotiations, with differences over both issues likely to shape the bargaining.
More than 90,000 participants are anticipated at the summit, with world leaders due to meet on 11 and 12 November.
On the same day the summit opened, the World Meteorological Organization said 2026 is set to be one of the warmest years on record, warning that a strong El Nino could keep global temperatures high next year as well.
The summit is scheduled to conclude on 20 November after the leaders' meeting and negotiations. Attention is now on whether any agreement emerges on climate finance and emission-cutting pledges.
