COP31 to open in Türkiye, with climate goals under pressure from war and AI

Representatives from nearly 200 countries are gathering in Antalya for two weeks of UN climate talks, with war-driven energy concerns, rising demand from artificial intelligence and reduced US engagement complicating efforts to agree on stronger action. Türkiye is asking countries to support a goal of electrifying more than a third of the global economy by 2035, but critics say the plan does not ensure that the extra electricity will come from low-carbon sources.

The talks come as a UN report warns the world is set to exceed the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming threshold. The war with Iran has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, pushed up fuel prices and prompted some Asian countries to increase coal use, while advocates are pressing for a clearer roadmap away from fossil fuels. Oil and gas producers argue those fuels can remain part of a climate-friendly energy mix if emissions are reduced or captured.