UN COP31 Climate Conference Opens in Antalya

The UN climate change conference COP31 opened on Monday, 9 November, in the Turkish city of Antalya. For almost two weeks, representatives of countries from around the world will discuss cutting greenhouse gas emissions, losses caused by climate change and funding to limit its effects. COP31 is the 31st conference of the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; such meetings are held every year, and countries try to agree on joint action. This year, particular attention will go to turning previously made commitments into concrete measures.

From promises to action

One of the main tasks is to make progress on implementing commitments already adopted. Countries will talk about speeding up the shift to cleaner energy, adapting to the effects of climate change and securing the necessary funding. Reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement will also be an important topic. The agreement calls for keeping the rise in global average temperature well below 2°C compared with pre-industrial levels, and for pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Delegates will assess progress on cutting emissions and on carrying out national climate plans, as well as a just transition to a more climate-friendly economy, so that the burden does not fall disproportionately on residents and businesses.

Finance and losses

Climate finance is among the most important topics of the conference. Countries will discuss the funds needed for emission cuts and adaptation, especially in places facing serious threats from climate change. They will also address losses and damage caused by climate change, including mechanisms to support particularly vulnerable countries. A ministerial dialogue on climate finance is planned for 13 November; the practical availability of funding, not only pledges, is expected to play a major role.

Thematic days

Each day of the conference has its own theme. On 9 November the focus is food security, agriculture and health; on 10 November, energy and transport; on 11 November, waste reduction, resource use and methane emissions; and the following day, adapting cities and buildings to climate change. The second week includes discussions on science, industry, new technologies and the protection of ecosystems, as well as events for young people and education.

Although the COP31 presidency stresses the need for practical results, countries have not yet agreed on any specific new obligations. Final decisions will depend on the negotiations during the conference.