Activists take part in a demonstration calling for ‘Kick Big Polluters Out’ outside the COP31 venue in Antalya, Turkiye. PHOTO: AFP
ANTALYA:
Climate negotiations at COP31 faced early divisions on Friday, with major fossil fuel producers and consumers resisting firm commitments to reduce reliance on oil, gas and coal, as the first week of the UN summit ended without agreement on a clear way forward.
Observers said countries remained far apart on proposals to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, leaving host Turkiye and lead negotiator Australia with another week to secure an ambitious deal.
Major oil producers, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, have traditionally opposed language restricting fossil fuel use, while developing economies such as India have resisted measures they say could constrain their development and energy choices.
Turkiye is seeking to make expanded electrification central to an eventual agreement, arguing that replacing fossil fuel-powered vehicles, boilers and other equipment would help cut emissions. However, its proposal does not require electricity to come from renewable sources.
Meanwhile, Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), warned that more than 200 million people were living in highly climate-vulnerable communities at risk of displacement. She told AFP that nearly 30 million people were forced from their homes in 2025 by storms, droughts, wildfires, extreme temperatures and floods.
