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COP31: Five key issues to watch as climate negotiations begin in Türkiye – EnviroNews
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The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled for November 9 to 20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, is expected to focus on translating global climate commitments into practical action amid growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and escalating climate impacts.
According to Climate Action, the conference will be shaped by five major developments, ranging from an unprecedented shared presidency and implementation priorities to climate finance, negotiations and private sector engagement.
1. Unprecedented split presidency
One of the major developments at COP31 is the arrangement for a shared presidency between Türkiye and Australia, marking the first time the leadership of a climate conference has been formally divided in this manner.
Türkiye will host the conference, with Murat Kurum serving as COP31 President, while Australia will oversee the negotiations, with exclusive authority over the negotiating process led by Chris Bowen.
The arrangement is also expected to give greater prominence to Pacific Island nations in global climate discussions.
Fiji hosted the pre-COP meeting, while Tuvalu organised a leaders’ event in October, highlighting the growing involvement of Pacific countries in climate diplomacy.
2. Implementation takes centre stage
The Turkish presidency has identified implementation as the central theme of COP31, signalling a shift towards translating existing climate commitments into measurable action.
Its five priority areas are electrification, bankable projects, climate finance, adaptation and ocean protection.
The presidency is also expected to advance an Antalya Ocean Declaration, highlighting the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening ocean-related climate action.
The emphasis on implementation comes amid growing calls for countries to move beyond climate pledges and accelerate the delivery of policies, programmes and investments capable of addressing the climate crisis.
3. New targets for climate action
Another issue to watch is the Turkish presidency’s proposed targets for accelerating climate action across key sectors.
These include increasing the global electrification rate to 35 per cent by 2035, reducing the growth in waste generation by 50 per cent by the same year and cutting energy intensity in buildings by at least 25 per cent.
The proposed targets are expected to encourage stronger action on energy transition, waste management and building efficiency.
Their implementation will require increased investment, supportive policies and cooperation among governments, businesses and other stakeholders.
4. Key issues on the negotiating table
COP31 is expected to feature negotiations on strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate finance for mitigation and adaptation, the Global Goal on Adaptation and just transition.
Another major issue will be the COP30 presidency’s roadmaps for moving away from fossil fuels and protecting forests.
According to Climate Action, the roadmaps were published in the week preceding COP31.
The fossil fuel roadmap proposes a voluntary timetable under which countries would first develop plans for transitioning away from fossil fuels before progressively expanding clean energy.
The discussions are expected to test countries’ willingness to strengthen climate commitments and agree on practical pathways for implementing the Paris Agreement.
5. Greater business participation
Beyond formal negotiations, COP31 will bring together governments, scientists, environmental activists, businesses and communities affected by climate change.
Private sector participation is expected to feature prominently through initiatives designed to connect investment, innovation and climate policy.
A major event will be the Sustainable Innovation Forum, scheduled for November 10 at the Climate Action Innovation Zone.
The forum will bring together business leaders, policymakers and finance stakeholders to discuss how innovation, investment and collaboration can accelerate climate action and support the delivery of global climate commitments.
As countries gather in Antalya, the five developments are expected to shape discussions on the future direction of international climate cooperation, particularly efforts to bridge the gap between commitments, financing and actual implementation.