Thousands rally against COP31 as climate talks hit midpoint

Antalya, Turkey, Nov 15 — Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in the Turkish city hosting COP31, accusing the climate summit of failing those most affected by environmental destruction. As negotiators near the final week of global climate talks, nearly 200 nations struggle to reach a deal by Friday. The summit is unlikely to produce a major breakthrough, disappointing activists demanding stricter limits on greenhouse gas emissions and additional funds for vulnerable countries to cope with climate impacts.

In downtown Antalya, thousands of protesters, dressed in costumes and holding signs, marched under police supervision during the largest demonstration since COP31 commenced. Activists from the People's Climate Summit platform, one of the groups organizing the rally, expressed frustration that their voices are not heard at the conference.

Turkey, the co-chair of COP31, faces criticism for lacking a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, with new power stations and coal mines being built. Yasar Gokoglu, a 78-year-old demonstrator who traveled over 600 kilometers from Adana, denounced the summit as a "masquerade sponsored by monopolies." Police estimated that over 7,000 people participated in the protest, which proceeded without major incidents.

Civil society activists had raised safety concerns due to Turkey's recent crackdown on the LGBT community. Some LGBT protesters joined the march, waving rainbow flags. Demonstrators were allowed to join after being searched by police. Although smaller protests inside the COP31 venue continue to pressure leaders for faster action, negotiators remain far apart on key issues like financing adaptation measures in developing nations and transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Australian climate minister Chris Bowen, chairing the formal negotiations, reported "really good and positive conversations" but acknowledged the need for further discussion on certain issues. Outside the negotiations, Turkey is urging countries to join a voluntary pledge to increase the share of global final energy demand met by electricity.

The summit ends on November 20 amid a challenging backdrop, including an energy crisis spurred by conflict and geopolitical tensions, which dampen expectations for a swift solution. UN climate chief Simon Stiell emphasized that "there's no climate quick fix. No single COP can magic this crisis away, but each must drive progress."