COP31 to open in Turkey, with climate goals under pressure from war and AI
A United Nations Environment Program report said the world is already set to overshoot 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming above preindustrial times.
Nearly 200 countries will convene in Antalya, Turkey, for two weeks of climate negotiations at COP31. Concerns over war-driven energy security, soaring AI power usage, and the United States' disengagement put additional pressure on the fight against global warming. The U.S. conflict with Iran has nations rushing for oil supplies and increasing coal plant usage, while the rapid AI expansion is boosting energy demand.
Turkey's presidency aims to double the global economy's electrification by 2035, but critics argue the pledge lacks requirements for low-carbon sources. Climate advocates challenge the emphasis on electrification alone, while fossil fuel supporters argue it can still play a role in a climate-friendly world. The UN Environment Program's recent report warns that the world is on track to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming.
The Iran war has sharpened the focus on fossil fuels, and South Korea, India, and Thailand have increased coal reliance. AI development is also driving a rise in global power demand. COP31 aims to send clear policy signals to encourage businesses to invest in electrification and the energy transition.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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