COP31: Protesters, UN urge swift climate deal

Delegates from more than 200 nations are gathered in the Mediterranean city of Antalya with a core goal of preventing the planet from warming by 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Downtown, thousands of civil society and environmental activists from around the world protested against the consequences of climate change.

Climate chief's warning

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said getting an agreement is "tough but vital work." He emphasized that there is no collective success without compromise from every party. As negotiations enter their second week, Stiell urged delegates to "move swiftly to the hardest issues and to avoid tactical delays."

Economic concerns overshadow climate

With inflation, wars, deindustrialization and debt being seen as bigger immediate threats, many governments are watering down their commitments to the clean energy transition. The United States has snubbed the talks for the second year under President Donald Trump, who has called global warming a hoax. Delegates also face pressure from large fossil-fuel-producing nations to avoid setting stricter targets for a faster phase-out of oil and gas.

Turkey's electrification push

Host Turkey is pushing a plan to expand global electrification, though some environmental groups are disappointed it doesn't emphasize increased electricity from renewable sources. A UN report last month warned the world is set to exceed the 1.5°C warming threshold within years—the figure scientists believe should prevent the worst climate effects.

Mass protest demands action

Tens of thousands marched through Antalya for climate protection and human rights, with many dismayed at the lack of progress. Environmental activist Zaki Mamdoo noted that the pursuit of profit at all costs continues to set the global agenda, while Luisa Nebauer criticized absent European leaders. "We won't have a chance to solve any of the crises as long as our planet is destabilizing by the hour," she said. A first draft of a deal text is expected next week.