Cop31: What to expect as global climate summit begins

As the planet faces unprecedented human-caused global heating, heads of government and delegates from more than 190 countries are gathering in Turkey for the latest round of climate talks. While nearly all of the 196 original signatories of the 2015 Paris agreement are expected to be present, one glaring absence will be the US, whose president has withdrawn from the pact. Turkey and Australia will take charge of different aspects of the summit, navigating a fragile geopolitical climate.

Australia will manage formal negotiations focusing on work programmes such as the just transition, climate finance, and keeping temperature rises as close as possible to the 1.5C goal above pre-industrial levels. Meanwhile, Turkey will lead the action agenda covering voluntary, non-binding agreements. These include cutting waste, advancing a circular economy, reducing methane, improving food security, and driving the electrification of the global economy.

Rapid action on greenhouse gas emissions can limit temperature overshoot by the end of this century.

Developing nations urgently require support to handle compounding climate impacts and adapt infrastructure against worsening extreme weather. Wealthy nations have reduced overseas aid while high interest rates load additional debt onto poorer countries. Despite tension from international conflicts and economic challenges, hopes remain for progress on climate finance, loss and damage funds, and non-binding roadmaps away from fossil fuels.

What to expect from Cop31

Electrification remains a major focus as high-efficiency technology could potentially reduce primary energy use worldwide by half, according to University of Oxford professor Jan Rosenow. The decentralised renewable generation has already provided energy security benefits, with massive electric vehicle uptake and solar booms seen in regions like Africa and Pakistan, alongside substantial rooftop generation in places like Pakistan.

Why it matters

The outcomes of these international climate talks affect global emission reduction strategies, financial support mechanisms for vulnerable nations, and the transition speed toward low-carbon and electrified economies worldwide.