COP31 climate summit begins after disastrous year of extreme weather

COP31 opened in Antalya, Turkey, with leaders and delegates urged to turn climate promises into practical action after a year of deadly heat and extreme weather. The talks are also unfolding amid disruption to oil supplies and higher fuel and fertiliser prices, sharpening debate over energy security and the shift to renewables.

The summit runs from 9 to 20 November, with about 68,500 people registered and nearly 25,000 supporting the event. Scientists expect the world to exceed the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming limit; Turkey’s COP president says the focus should be implementing existing commitments, including cutting methane and increasing electricity’s share of energy use from 21% to 35% by 2035. Negotiators are also expected to discuss climate finance for poorer countries, adaptation and recovery from disasters.