Island leaders at COP31 warn rising seas threaten their survival

At COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, leaders of island nations warned that rising seas and extreme weather threaten their survival, demanding urgent climate action and stronger financial support. Seychelles Vice President Alix Sebastien Pillay said climate action is a survival issue, citing millions in storm and flood damage despite the nation's minimal emissions. He urged strengthening the UN loss and damage fund. Niue's Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi noted Pacific sea temperatures are over three degrees above normal. A Climate Action Tracker report found global climate efforts have stalled for five years. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed a special representative for climate security risks, while activist Greta Thunberg criticized world leaders for failing to address the crisis.