The Institut de recherche pour le développement (Ird) is set to attend the 31st Conference of the Parties on climate (Cop31) in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20, 2026. Ahead of the conference, the institution emphasized the need to prioritize science in climate negotiations. With increasing extreme weather events and international cooperation blockages, Ird is focusing on three main priorities: anticipating risks, protecting ecosystems, and promoting climate justice.
Ird's call for science-driven climate action comes amid rising global tensions, environmental crises, and multilateralism challenges. The institution stresses that climate policies must be informed by solid scientific data and take into account social and economic realities, particularly in Southern countries. As Cop31 approaches, Ird's stance highlights the importance of science in guiding climate decisions. The conference is a critical moment for implementing the Paris Agreement.
The current episode of El Niño has shown exceptional characteristics, with severe consequences worldwide. Marine heatwaves in the Pacific, extreme temperatures in Peru, drought in Guyana, and monsoon deficits in India demonstrate the far-reaching impacts. These events, combined with climate change, heighten risks to populations, ecosystems, and economies. Ird's efforts aim to address these challenges through science-based solutions.
To mitigate these threats, Ird advocates for strengthening early warning systems and climate services. The goal is to transform meteorological forecasts and climate projections into actionable information for decision-makers in health, agriculture, and disaster prevention. By anticipating risks and promoting climate justice, Ird seeks to enhance climate resilience in vulnerable regions.
Ird also emphasizes the need for better integration of ecosystem restoration, community protection, and traditional knowledge into climate policies. Agroecology and nature-based solutions should play a greater role in addressing climate change. Furthermore, the institution highlights the importance of equitable, transparent, and socially and environmentally responsible financing mechanisms to support vulnerable countries.
According to Ird, current financing resources are insufficient to meet the needs of vulnerable countries. The institution urges the development of more effective financing mechanisms to support climate action. By prioritizing science and cooperation, Ird aims to ensure that climate decisions are informed by the best available knowledge.
Through its efforts at Cop31, Ird seeks to emphasize that combating climate change requires more than diplomatic commitments. It demands science-informed decisions, strengthened international cooperation, and genuine solidarity among nations. By promoting a science-driven approach to climate action, Ird hopes to contribute to a more effective and equitable global response to the climate crisis.
Key points
- Ird to prioritize science in climate negotiations at Cop31
- Institution emphasizes need for anticipating risks, protecting ecosystems, and promoting climate justice
- Ird calls for equitable financing mechanisms to support vulnerable countries
