COP31 host urges countries to turn climate pledges into visible action

COP31 host Chris Bowen has urged countries to turn climate pledges into visible progress, saying the summit must deliver a real step forward on emissions cuts and climate finance. Talks begin in Turkey on Monday amid record temperatures, severe climate impacts and disputes over who should pay for them.

Representatives from nearly 190 countries will meet in Antalya, with Australia presiding over negotiations under an unusual dual-host arrangement. The chair of a group of 44 least-developed countries called for predictable finance, stronger adaptation and support for loss and damage, while Bowen said just 0.2% of available climate finance goes to small island states for adaptation. The US will again send no delegation, although 20 Democratic members of Congress are attending.