UN chief urges fossil fuel extinction at COP31 in Turkey

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the extinction of fossil fuels at COP31 in Antalya, comparing them to dinosaurs, as the climate crisis outpaces current efforts. The conference opened with Turkey announcing new oil discoveries, drawing criticism from Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, who called it a source of concern. Nearly 200 countries agreed in 2023 to transition away from fossil fuels, but progress has stalled due to opposition from producer nations. Deep divisions persist on climate finance and fossil fuel phase-out, with low leader attendance and notable absences including Donald Trump. Brazil's Lula pushed for equitable transitions and rich countries' financial commitments, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed Turkey's electrification target.