The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) began today in Antalya, Turkey. Executive Secretary Simon Stiell called on nations to accelerate climate finance, expand renewable energy and curb methane emissions.
Stiell warned that progress on climate action remains too slow and unequal, despite promises from earlier meetings. “Progress is nowhere near fast or fair enough,” he said, urging countries to move beyond targets and focus on practical solutions. He added that COP31 must supercharge solutions.
The UN chief highlighted access to adaptation finance as a major hurdle for developing countries, demanding concrete steps to deliver promised funding and eliminate delays. He also urged governments to speed up renewable energy deployment, strengthen electricity grids and cut methane emissions from oil, gas and waste sectors. He noted that combined action on methane and electrification could reduce projected global warming by half a degree Celsius.
On finance, Stiell called for clear actions toward the annual US$300 billion target for developing countries by 2035 and the broader goal of mobilising US$1.3 trillion annually. He warned that the transition to cleaner energy must protect vulnerable communities, insisting that fairness be central to a global shift to clean energy and resilience.
Turkish COP31 President Murat Kurum described the conference as an “Implementation COP,” urging governments to translate commitments into results. He outlined three guiding principles: dialogue, consensus and action, and highlighted Turkey’s 35‑by‑35 Global Electrification Pledge, aiming to raise electricity’s share of final energy consumption to 35 percent by 2035.
For African nations, the negotiations carry significant implications on climate finance, adaptation support and resources to safeguard communities from rising temperatures and extreme weather. COP31 will run until November 20, with negotiations expected to focus on finance, adaptation, energy transition, methane reduction and support for the most exposed countries.
What to watch next: Delegates will continue to negotiate concrete finance mechanisms and methane reduction targets, aiming to turn Antalya’s decisions into actionable outcomes worldwide.
