CLIMATE CHANGE NEGOTIATIONS
Thousands march in Antalya, calling out COP31's lack of climate ambition
Thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully from Aydin Kanza Park to Republic Square in central Antalya, expressing disappointment that while world leaders recognise that average global temperatures are set to increase by more than 1.5 degree Celsius, there is no plan on how to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, protect ecosystems and deliver the climate finance needed to make it happen and support communities to adapt.
UN climate chief urges speed as COP31 confronts fossil fuel divide
The annual UN climate conference faces new challenges this year as a slew of crises from war to inflation push global warming down the list of priorities for world governments.
Urgent climate finance pleas at COP31 face a non-urgent response
Poor nations are calling for urgent financial support to address climate-related disasters, yet responses are sluggish. Despite past agreements, funding to vulnerable countries has not met the required targets, causing severe delays. Geopolitical issues and rising military expenditures further divert attention and resources away from climate financing.
Australian PM Albanese caught on hot mic joking about climate minister’s genitalia at COP31
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and climate minister Chris Bowen made crude jokes during COP31. The exchange occurred while they discussed the potential interference of a phone on health. Albanese jokingly suggested that Bowen should be more concerned about his phone in his pocket. This incident follows previous controversies surrounding Albanese's offhand remarks. Australia's involvement in COP31 has faced criticism for its fossil fuel export practices.
Big polluters may muddy the waters again at COP
The report by Kick the Big Polluters Out, a global coalition of more than 450 environmental and civil society organisations, said representatives of major fossil fuel companies, Big Tech, industrial agriculture and food industries have accessed the climate talks through various routes.
China rules out hosting 2028 UN climate talks: Report
China has ruled out hosting the UN climate talks in 2028 after considering the option for months. Another Asian-Pacific nation may now have the opportunity to host COP33 due to this decision. Earlier, India had withdrawed from hosting this event, while South Korea has expressed interest. The upcoming climate talks will assess global progress on climate action and evaluate the goals of the Paris Agreement.
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"Very salient": UN climate chief backs PM Modi's remarks on clean energy cushioning India against oil price shock
UN climate chief Simon Stiell has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that clean energy investments helped India withstand the oil price shock, calling them "very salient". Stiell also welcomed India's Green Energy Corridor, emphasising the role of renewable energy, stronger electricity grids and battery storage in protecting economies.
Russia, Ukraine agree to large prisoner exchange as talks conclude with no major breakthrough
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a significant exchange of prisoners of war following US mediated discussions. The latest talks were the first between the two countries in nine months. US officials are striving to revive peace efforts that have achieved limited success so far. Negotiators face multiple hurdles, including territorial disputes and security guarantees. Continued fighting has resulted in civilian and military casualties in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
World leaders urge stronger and faster action at UN climate talks over inadequate response
World leaders gathered in Turkey for COP31 to discuss effective strategies to combat climate change. Notably absent are leaders from major polluting nations, including the United States, China, and India. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged immediate action in his opening speech and suggested a framework for cooperation. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasized the need for global leadership on environmental issues.
Climate crisis is outrunning world, UN chief Antonio Guterres warns leaders at COP31
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed world leaders at the COP31 summit in Turkey regarding climate change action. He warned that the slow international response threatens the planet's future and urged countries to implement clean energy solutions. Negotiators from nearly 200 nations are currently seeking agreement on enhancing electricity's role in global energy consumption. The summit occurs amid significant geopolitical challenges and alarming climate data highlighting increasing global temperatures.
World leaders begin talks as COP31 faces pressure to turn climate promises into action amid rising global warming
World leaders are gathering in Turkey for the UN climate conference COP31 amid mounting pressure to translate climate commitments into concrete action. The summit comes after a year of deadly climate-related disasters, stalled progress on fossil fuel reductions and growing concerns that global warming will exceed the 1.5°C threshold set under the Paris Agreement. Rising energy prices linked to the Iran war and the absence of the US delegation add to the challenges facing negotiations.
'Mobilising $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to require overhaul of climate finance system'
Mobilising $1.3 trillion a year in climate finance for developing countries by 2035 is achievable, but only with a major overhaul of the global climate finance system, according to a report released by Brazil’s COP30 presidency at COP31 in Antalya. Without policy changes, annual flows are projected to reach only about $460 billion, leaving an $840 billion shortfall. The report says a combination of public and private funding, carbon markets and new taxes could raise $1.27-1.41 trillion annually by 2035. Private investment could contribute $882 billion, public sources $351-384 billion and carbon markets $40-144 billion.
COP31: Limiting 1.5°C overshoot, speeding up electrification emerge as top priorities
Limiting the duration and extent of a global temperature overshoot beyond the 1.5°C threshold and accelerating electrification have emerged as key priorities at COP31 in Antalya. The Turkiye-Australia leadership wants these issues included in the conference's negotiated cover decision, while also demonstrating that international cooperation on climate action remains effective.
Heat-trapping carbon pollution drops, but scientists cite the Iran war rather than energy progress
This year, global carbon emissions fell by 0.4%, driven by oil supply disruptions from the conflict in Iran. While oil and natural gas emissions experienced notable declines, there was a small uptick in coal emissions. Experts caution that these improvements may not be guaranteed, attributing them primarily to external influences.
Global climate talks open with big questions, smaller goals
Climate negotiators from nearly 200 countries are attending COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, to address rising global temperatures and emissions. The summit will focus on achieving existing commitments rather than making ambitious new goals amidst geopolitical tensions and financial constraints.
US: Senate advances sweeping energy legislation in first major action since midterm elections
The Senate voted 73-25 to formally take up the bill, which senators and the president have pushed as a way to meet growing demand for electricity and other forms of energy that now face yearslong delays in getting to the grid.
Climate finance remains key friction point as COP31 opens in Turkiye's Antalya
COP31 commenced in Antalya, where climate finance was added to the agenda after negotiations. Developed countries opposed the proposal for a dedicated discussion on adaptation finance. Concerns were raised regarding the weakening trust among nations over the inclusion process. The African Group's suggestion for increased adaptation finance was notably rejected. As COP31 emphasizes implementation, delegates stressed that financial support is essential for achieving climate goals.
Enough of COP Jamborees
Falling solar and battery costs have made renewable energy commercially competitive with coal in India. As COP31 begins in Turkiye, the focus should shift to accelerating electrification of transport, promoting agrivoltaics, investing in transmission and grid stability, and ensuring reliable payments by discoms to sustain the country's green transition.
Geopolitical tensions, climate finance and 1.5°C breach cloud COP31 negotiations
Kicking off in Antalya, the UN climate conference COP31 will tackle significant climate action issues. With around 160 matters on the agenda, delegates will discuss emission cuts and strategies for global adaptation. Political strains and economic challenges pose obstacles, but Turkiye and Australia are at the helm, advocating for actionable solutions and financial commitments for developing nations, striving for a unified decision on essential climate concerns.
COP31 a 'moment of truth': UN chief Guterres urges world leaders to act now on climate change
António Guterres has urged global leaders to take immediate action against climate change ahead of the COP31 summit. He emphasizes that responsibility should not be shifted and that everyone must commit to change now. Guterres highlights the worsening impact of climate disasters and the interplay between climate change and other global challenges. Additionally, he believes that fossil fuel companies should contribute by being taxed on their profits.
Climate finance, trade likely to be on COP31 table
COP31, scheduled to occur in Antalya from November 9-20, will address significant climate finance and trade issues. Discussions include the funding developed countries owe to developing nations for climate change adaptation. The African Group aims to formalize financial support strategies and assess funding needs for climate initiatives. Additionally, proposals regarding the impact of climate-related trade measures on developing countries have been put forward.
How China's clean-tech machine is reshaping the global climate fight
In 2024, China took the lead as the top investor in global clean technology, directing $132 billion to developing nations to aid carbon reduction efforts. This unprecedented infusion of resources could potentially reshape the landscape of international climate finance.
In a divided world, COP31 aims for agreement on electrification
COP31, kicking off November 9 in Antalya, Turkey, is all set to spotlight the global push for electrification. With a target to raise electricity's contribution to final energy demand to 35% by 2035, nations are keenly examining how electrification can effectively curb fossil fuel use.
COP31: EU FTA on horizon, but India won't budge on CBAM
India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav reaffirmed the country's opposition to trade-linked barriers at COP31. The upcoming negotiations will focus on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affecting various Indian sectors. Participation in carbon markets should remain voluntary, according to Yadav. Additionally, India emphasizes the importance of climate finance from developed nations.
Brazil offers road map to phase down fossil fuels, halt deforestation
Building on the decision adopted at the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, these seek to advance climate action, strengthen international cooperation and mobilise investment, while supporting economic development, energy security and people's livelihoods. "This is the last delivery of the COP30 presidency," said Ana Toni, chief executive of the 2025 round of the UN climate talks.
UN climate panel to resume in December after key report deadlock
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will convene virtually from December 1 to 3, focusing on finalizing a crucial report addressing climate change and its budget. While several nations advocate for its completion ahead of the 2028 UN climate summit, others, including Saudi Arabia, India, and China, propose a delay until 2029, highlighting the ongoing tensions around global climate action.
US trade deal will protect all sensitive Indian interests, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s trade deal with the US would protect sensitive interests, including those of farmers, and give the country a competitive advantage. He criticised opposition parties for questioning the agreement before its details were released, while defending India’s trade strategy and its decision to stay out of RCEP.
As COP31 nears, India's heatwave disaster tag puts spotlight on global adaptation finance gap
India's recognition of heatwaves as natural disasters underscores the urgent need for international climate finance. Experts note that domestic funding is inadequate for heat adaptation strategies. They emphasize the necessity of consistent and predictable international resources for effective implementation. Upcoming discussions at COP31 will focus on adaptation finance for developing countries. There is growing concern over the lack of responsibility taken by developed nations regarding climate impact.
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