The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP31, has commenced in Antalya, Türkiye, with Nigeria pushing for increased climate financing and stronger support for food security. World leaders are gathering amid growing concerns over extreme weather, threats to agricultural production, and inadequate funding for climate adaptation in vulnerable countries. The conference, co-led by Türkiye and Australia, aims to translate climate finance pledges into practical support for developing countries.
COP31 President Murat Kurum declared the summit open, emphasizing that the conference must be an "Implementation COP" where commitments made at previous climate negotiations produce tangible benefits for communities. Kurum stated that the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit remains the global guide for climate action, warning that the climate crisis is worsening existing challenges, including conflicts, economic uncertainty, food insecurity, and unequal access to finance.
The COP31 president highlighted Türkiye's proposed "35-by-35" Global Electrification Pledge, which seeks to increase electricity's share of final energy consumption to 35 per cent by 2035. He also called for increased climate financing, citing the commitment to provide $300bn annually to developing countries by 2035 and the broader ambition to scale up climate finance to $1.3tn annually. This is crucial for Nigeria, where unreliable electricity and climate-related threats to agriculture remain major development concerns.
President of Negotiations Chris Bowen stressed that international cooperation is necessary to tackle climate change while strengthening global energy security. He said the summit should produce outcomes that go beyond diplomatic agreements, including investments, infrastructure, jobs, and resilient communities. Bowen emphasized the importance of finance, electrification, and ocean action in addressing climate change.
The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Simon Stiell, warned that fossil fuel price disruptions and extreme weather events continue to impose high costs on countries and communities. Stiell noted that renewable energy has saved an estimated $265bn globally in the first half of the year, arguing that investment in clean energy can strengthen energy security and reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets.
The first day of the conference focused on food, agriculture, and health, sectors with significant implications for Nigeria, where changing weather patterns, flooding, and drought threaten agricultural production, livelihoods, and public health. Discussions highlighted concerns that a possible strong El Niño event could push nearly 50 million additional people into acute hunger, underscoring the growing link between climate change and food insecurity.
The conference also featured the launch of the Antalya Initiative for Resilient Health Systems, aimed at strengthening healthcare systems against climate-related risks. Other activities included a dialogue involving women farmers, the presentation of a report titled The Unfunded Half, and discussions with young farmers on the future of agri-food systems. Young participants presented the Antalya Call to Action for Youth on Agri-food Systems, showcasing climate solutions developed by young people.
Key points
- Nigeria is pushing for increased climate financing and support for food security at COP31.
- The conference aims to translate climate finance pledges into practical support for developing countries.
- The 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit remains the global guide for climate action.
