COP31 opens in Antalya to tackle climate finance and just transition
The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) opened on November 9 in Antalya, Turkey, with key discussions focused on a "just transition" mechanism and climate finance for vulnerable nations. Delegates will negotiate how to fund adaptation for developing countries and assist vulnerable populations in the Global South affected by low-carbon policies. Russia's delegation maintains its priorities of technological neutrality, opposing trade barriers, and lifting sanctions on climate-related technologies. Recent UNEP reports warn current pledges would lead to a 2.6-2.8°C temperature rise, requiring an 18% emissions cut by 2030 to meet Paris Agreement goals. Developing nations received only $28-32 billion in 2024 against an annual need of $305 billion.