COP31 in Antalya: Can nations turn climate pledges into action?

COP31 opened Monday in Antalya, Türkiye, with nearly 200 countries gathering to focus on implementing existing climate commitments rather than new declarations, as a powerful El Niño threatens to worsen extreme weather worldwide. The summit, running until November 20, features an unusual co-presidency with Türkiye's Murat Kurum and Australia's Chris Bowen, who announced plans for a presidency-led decision to accelerate practical climate action. Finance remains a key sticking point, with developing nations pressing for faster access to adaptation funding. Monday's Food, Agriculture and Health Day highlighted climate impacts on human health, with WHO reporting 3.3 to 3.6 billion people live in highly vulnerable areas. The agenda includes advancing the Belém Health Action Plan, reviewing agricultural programs, and addressing El Niño's expected intensification, which has already triggered a national emergency in Bolivia.