COP31 in Antalya: five things to watch

COP31 runs from 9 to 20 November in Antalya, Türkiye. It comes at a time of growing geopolitical volatility, economic uncertainty and increasing climate impacts.

1. A first: a split presidency

Türkiye is host, with Murat Kurum as COP31 President, while Australia holds the role of President of Negotiations, with exclusive authority over the negotiations. This is the first time the presidency has been split in two, with Chris Bowen leading for Australia. The arrangement also puts the Pacific closer to the centre: Fiji hosted the pre-COP, and Tuvalu a leaders’ event in October.

 

2. Implementation is the theme

The Turkish presidency has identified implementation as a central theme, moving from commitments to action. Its five priorities are electrification, bankable projects, finance, adaptation and ocean protection, including an Antalya Ocean Declaration.

 

3. Targets on the action agenda

The presidency’s priorities include raising the global electrification rate to 35% by 2035, cutting the growth in waste generation by 50% by 2035 and reducing energy intensity in buildings by at least 25% by 2035.

 

4. The negotiating agenda

Observers expect talks on strengthening national climate plans (NDCs), finance for mitigation and adaptation, the Global Goal on Adaptation, just transition, and the COP30 presidency’s roadmaps on moving away from fossil fuels and protecting forests. Those roadmaps were published this week, with the fossil fuel one a voluntary timetable asking countries to plan first, then build up clean energy.

 

5. Business in the room

Beyond the negotiations, COP31 is a meeting point for governments, scientists, activists, business and communities affected by climate change. The Climate Action Innovation Zone hosts the Sustainable Innovation Forum on 10 November, bringing together business, policy and finance leaders on delivery.