Antalya, Turkey, Nov. 9 (Jiji Press)–Key U.N. climate talks started in Antalya, Turkey, on Monday for discussions on measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce damage as the impact of rising temperatures is becoming evident in countries around the world. The 31st Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP31, is set to run until Nov. 20. At the opening ceremony, U.N. Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell called for effective measures, saying: “The urgency of this moment must drive us forward. Global heating is already costing the Earth.” A summit meeting is set for Wednesday and Thursday. From the Group of Seven major countries, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will participate in the session while Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be absent. Japanese Environment Minister Hiroyoshi Sasagawa will attend a ministerial meeting starting Monday next week. The Paris Agreement, an international framework to combat global warming, sets a goal of curbing global temperature rises at 1.5 degrees Celsius from the pre-industrial level. But the U.N. Environment Program compiled in September a report saying that the temperature rise is seen exceeding the level within the next few years. At COP31, discussions will be held on concrete measures to accelerate emissions cuts, which have stalled. Turkey, the host of the meeting, is calling for the promotion of electrification, such as a shift from kerosene heaters to air conditioners. Developing countries are pressing for more support for adaptation measures to mitigate damage from climate change, and securing necessary financial resources is a major issue. However, the energy crisis blamed on Middle East tensions has led to the conflict of interest increasingly becoming complex. COP31 negotiations are expected to be tough as international cooperation has been shaken due to factors including the United States’ second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under the administration of President Donald Trump. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
