Cop31 opens in Antalya with water and clean energy in focus

Tens of thousands of delegates have arrived in Antalya, Turkey, for the opening of Cop31 on Monday, a two-week UN climate summit that will test whether countries can accelerate action on water adaptation and the shift away from fossil fuels.

The conference, which runs until 20 November, follows the landmark Cop28 in Dubai, where governments agreed for the first time to transition away from fossil fuels. This year, negotiators will launch the second Global Stocktake and begin receiving updated national climate plans under the Paris Agreement.

Water is expected to be a major focus. Most people first experience climate change through water – whether drought, floods or unpredictable rainfall – yet investment in water infrastructure and sanitation remains well below what is needed. The World Bank estimates that closing the annual financing gap for universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation requires between $131 billion and $141 billion.

Australia, which is presiding over the negotiations alongside host Turkey, has proposed a global target for electricity to provide 35 per cent of total energy consumption by 2035. Analysts say falling costs for renewables and battery vehicles are already reshaping energy markets, even as political headwinds slow international cooperation.

The two-week gathering in the Turkish coastal city will also see the start of a new round of Nationally Determined Contributions, with countries expected to outline how they will cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts over the coming decade.