COP31 Opens in Antalya Amid Disputes Over Climate Finance and Emissions Targets

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change commenced on Monday, 9 November 2026, in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, Turkey. The summit, which is scheduled to run until 20 November, brought thousands of participants to a sprawling expo centre for the annual two-week negotiation process. Turkey is hosting the event, with Murat Kurum, the Turkish Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, serving as the COP31 President. Australia is presiding over the negotiations during this session.

The opening ceremony began an hour and a half later than scheduled, a delay that was not explained at the time. The postponement followed intense discussions held late on Sunday between negotiators. The primary point of contention was the demand by developing nations to have specific items related to climate finance included in the official agenda. Jasper Inventor, who leads the Greenpeace delegation at COP31, described the situation as a difficult start for the conference, noting that developed countries had taken a hard line regarding the inclusion of a platform previously agreed upon at COP30 in Brazil. This platform is designed to discuss how wealthy nations should provide funds to developing countries.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the delegates, urging world leaders to take the climate crisis seriously. According to him, the planet is now experiencing a new era of severe weather events, a trend illustrated by the scorching heat in Europe, significant fires in Indonesia, and devastating inundations in Nepal. Guterres highlighted that an exceptionally strong El Niño weather phenomenon has further fuelled climate chaos. In his statement, he called on leaders to cut emissions faster, accelerate a just transition away from fossil fuels, and deliver the necessary finance and protection to vulnerable countries.

Background

The current negotiations take place against a backdrop of significant recent climate events. In 2026, Europe experienced severe heatwaves, while Indonesia faced major wildfires. Nepal suffered catastrophic floods, which were linked to glacier collapse and massive landslides. These events have intensified pressure on global leaders to address the rapid pace of climate change. Current United Nations climate pacts obligate wealthier nations, which bear the primary historical burden for greenhouse gas output, to offer monetary aid to poorer countries. This aid is intended to help poorer countries adapt to climate impacts and transition to cleaner energy sources. However, many developing nations argue that the current sums provided are insufficient to meet their needs.

An insider with knowledge of the discussions revealed that a work programme focused on climate finance would feature on the schedule. However, African countries had also pushed for a specific agenda item dedicated to tripling adaptation finance. Such financial resources are intended to assist less affluent countries in financing initiatives like constructing coastal barriers or cultivating crops that withstand arid conditions. According to the source, there would not be a separate agenda point for tripling adaptation finance, but the issue would be discussed under other existing items. The disagreement over these procedural and financial matters has created tension at the outset of the conference.

Why it matters

The outcome of these early negotiations sets the tone for the entire two-week summit. The dispute over climate finance highlights the ongoing gap between the financial commitments of developed nations and the urgent needs of developing countries. For vulnerable nations, access to adequate funding is critical for implementing adaptation measures and transitioning to sustainable energy systems. The failure to reach an agreement on the agenda could hinder productive discussions on broader climate goals. Furthermore, the recent extreme weather events underscore the immediate risks posed by climate change, making the need for robust international cooperation more pressing than ever. The involvement of key figures such as UN Secretary-General Guterres and the COP31 President underscores the high stakes of the conference.

What happens next

With the agenda now settled, including the inclusion of the climate finance work programme, negotiations are expected to proceed to the main substantive discussions. The conference will continue in Antalya until 20 November 2026. Delegations from around the world will engage in detailed talks on emissions reductions, adaptation strategies, and financial mechanisms. The final outcomes of these negotiations will determine the next steps in global climate policy and the level of commitment from both developed and developing nations.