UN climate summit opens in Turkey as leaders push for action

World leaders, delegates, and climate activists are gathering in Antalya, Turkey, for the COP31 U.N. climate summit, where negotiations begin Monday on curbing climate change amid rising temperatures and extreme weather events. The summit comes as the war in Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, raising global fuel prices and prompting renewed focus on renewable energy. Turkish Environment Minister Murat Kurum, the COP31 president, plans to prioritize implementing past commitments over new targets, including an "Action Agenda" to reduce methane and boost electrification from 21% to 35% by 2035. Climate scientists say the 1.5°C warming goal from the 2015 Paris Agreement is no longer realistic, and the U.S. will be absent under President Donald Trump. COP31 is jointly organized with Australia, though both face criticism for coal reliance, and talks run Nov. 9-20.