COP31 leaders push climate action despite wars and trade disputes

Brazilian and Turkish leaders urged COP31 on Wednesday to prioritize climate action despite global conflicts and trade disputes, calling for faster fossil-fuel transition and energy reform. They warned that wars and tariffs are distracting from the survival of future generations. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said climate momentum from COP30 has faded, while Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan cited wars and crises increasing the need for solidarity. The U.S.-Israel war on Iran disrupted oil shipments, raising fuel prices and pushing climate down some governments' agendas. Negotiators from nearly 200 countries are discussing Turkey's proposal to raise electricity's share of global energy use to 35% by 2035. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the climate crisis is on a path to destruction, with a UN report projecting a breach of the 1.5°C warming limit. Extreme weather in 2026 included European heatwaves and a deadly Nepal glacier collapse. The U.S. skipped the talks for a second year, and several G7 leaders were absent, drawing criticism from climate advocates.