The world’s biggest climate meeting is underway on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast – but several key chairs are empty.
The COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey, held its leaders’ segment on 11 and 12 November 2026. Running from 9 to 20 November, the UN conference brings together nearly 200 countries, with more than 90,000 people expected, according to UN News. About 40 leaders were on the speakers’ list, Climate Home News reported.
Key Highlights
- COP31 runs from 9 to 20 November 2026 in Antalya, Turkey
- Turkey leads the presidency; Australia oversees negotiations under a co-presidency deal
- Host Turkey wants electricity to make up 35% of global energy use by 2035
- The US skipped the talks for a second year in a row, Reuters reported
- Finance for developing countries remains one of the toughest issues
An Unusual Co-Presidency
Türkiye’s Environment Minister Murat Kurum took the gavel as COP31 President. Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is overseeing negotiations, under an arrangement agreed at COP30. Bowen has said there will be “a difference of views” and plans a presidency-led decision built up through the conference.
What Is on the Table
| Issue | What is being discussed |
|---|---|
| Electrification | Turkey’s proposal: raise electricity’s share of global energy use to 35% by 2035, from a little over 20% now |
| Finance | Developing countries want faster access to climate funds |
| Adaptation | Funding to cope with floods, droughts and heat |
| Health | A new Antalya Initiative for Health Resilience |
| Zero waste | Turkey hosted a Zero Waste Day on 11 November |
Who Came and Who Stayed Away
Leaders on the list included Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Brazil’s Lula, Australia’s Anthony Albanese, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian. China was represented by Vice President Han Zheng. Reuters reported that France, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada did not send their top leaders, and the US stayed away. EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra called the absences “not completely atypical”.
What Different Sides Said
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that “the climate crisis is outrunning us.” UN climate chief Simon Stiell said progress is “nowhere near far enough or fair enough.”
The brutal truth is that the climate crisis is outrunning us.
UN chief Antonio Guterres
Host Erdoğan said wars, crises and poverty increase the need for international solidarity. Brazil’s Lula said the world had started talking more about weapons and tariffs than the survival of future generations. Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman said climate measures should not become barriers to trade. Iran’s Pezeshkian said he would speak about the actions of the US and Israel on the environment, according to Iranian state TV cited by AFP. Mohamed Adow of Power Shift Africa said the biggest economies should lead the response rather than leave it to others.
What Happens Next
Negotiators now move from speeches to the fine print on finance, adaptation and a just transition. Former COP president Laurent Fabius told Reuters that “the key word in Antalya is implementation.” The summit is set to close on Friday, 20 November.
FAQs
Where is COP31 being held?
In Antalya, Turkey, from 9 to 20 November 2026.
Who is the COP31 President?
Turkey’s Environment Minister Murat Kurum, with Australia’s Chris Bowen leading negotiations.
What is Turkey’s main proposal?
Raising electricity’s share of global energy use to 35% by 2035.
Did the US attend?
No. Reuters reported the US skipped the talks for the second year in a row.
Can climate summits like COP31 deliver real change? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Details as reported by UN News, Reuters (via Al-Monitor), AFP (via Taipei Times) and Climate Home News.
