COP31 opens in Antalya amid an early money fight and mounting climate and geopolitical pressure

Summary

The COP31 UN climate conference opened on Monday, November 9, in Antalya, a Mediterranean seaside city in Turkey, and more than 100,000 people are expected at a sprawling expo centre over the next two weeks. The talks began with an early fight over money, as UN chief Antonio Guterres urged world leaders to "get serious" about the climate crisis after a year of devastating weather extremes. The opening comes amid deep concern over extreme weather, including deadly floods in Nepal and a supersized El Niño, and with climate and geopolitical pressures building around the talks. Reports say the focus this week includes electrification, and experts argue that global efforts need to accelerate in uncertain times.

Timeline

1. The Hindu

   9 Nov 2026, 01:48 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that COP31 has opened in Antalya as climate and geopolitical pressures mount, with more than 100,000 people expected at a sprawling expo centre over the next two weeks.

2. France 24

   9 Nov 2026, 11:07 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that the COP31 climate talks kicked off on Monday, November 9, with an early fight over money, as Antonio Guterres urged world leaders to "get serious" about tackling the crisis.

3. France 24

   9 Nov 2026, 13:35 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that COP31 opens amid deep concern over extreme weather such as the deadly floods in Nepal and a supersized El Niño, with a focus on electrification and experts saying global efforts must accelerate.