UN climate summit COP31 gathers in Antalya amid 'terrible backdrop' of global crises

Summary

World leaders, ministers and negotiators are gathering in Antalya, Turkey, for the UN climate summit COP31, which will focus on implementing the targets needed to urgently cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Guardian reports that about 70,000 people have registered to attend, including civil society groups, Indigenous people, lawmakers, subnational governments, businesspeople and investors, as well as fossil fuel lobbyists whose presence has sparked protest. Australia will preside over the formal negotiating agenda under a compromise agreed last year, when both countries bid to hold the meeting. The Financial Times describes a 'terrible backdrop' of global crises looming over the talks, and its Managing Climate Change report covers Turkey's plan to tackle waste, which it says clashes with reality, and Europe's decision to lower its ambitions. It also asks whether China will bid to host a future summit and includes interviews with former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard and COP31 president Murat Kurum.

Timeline

1. Financial Times

   9 Nov 2026, 05:04 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times reports a 'terrible backdrop' of global crises looming over the UN climate talks in Antalya, with coverage of Turkey's waste plan, interviews with Julia Gillard and Murat Kurum, Europe lowering its climate ambitions, and whether China will bid to host.

2. The Guardian

   9 Nov 2026, 07:25 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian's live blog reports that about 70,000 registered attendees, including civil society, Indigenous people, lawmakers, businesspeople, investors and fossil fuel lobbyists, are gathering for COP31 in Turkey, where Australia will preside over the formal negotiating agenda.