Introduction
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP31, is taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. The conference brings together governments, international organisations, business representatives, scientists and environmental campaigners to discuss the global response to climate change.
COP31 comes at an important time for international climate policy. Despite almost three decades of international negotiations, global greenhouse gas emissions remain a significant concern, average global temperatures continue to rise and the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent.
The conference is expected to concentrate on turning existing climate commitments into practical action. Particular attention is likely to be given to climate finance, renewable energy, the transition away from fossil fuels, climate adaptation and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
However, COP31 is also taking place against a challenging political background. The absence of an official United States government delegation, together with the absence of several other prominent national leaders, raises questions about the level of international political commitment to addressing climate change.
This article examines the purpose of COP31, its participants, the principal issues under discussion and the potential implications for governments and businesses.
1. What is COP31?
COP stands for Conference of the Parties. It is the annual meeting of countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international treaty established in 1992.
The treaty provides the framework for international cooperation on climate change. Its principal objective is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous human interference with the climate system.
The first COP took place in Berlin in 1995. Since then, conferences have been held annually, providing an international forum for governments to negotiate climate commitments, review progress and agree further measures to address global warming.
COP21, held in Paris in 2015, was particularly significant because it resulted in the Paris Agreement. This legally binding international treaty established the objective of keeping the increase in global average temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
The Paris Agreement requires participating countries to establish and periodically update their own climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These plans set out the measures each country intends to implement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
COP31 is therefore not an entirely new initiative. It is part of an established international process intended to strengthen and implement commitments made through previous conferences and international agreements.
The conference also incorporates meetings associated with the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, allowing governments to address obligations under these related international instruments.
What will be agreed at COP31?
2. Where is COP31 taking place?
COP31 is being held at the Antalya Expo Centre in Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye, between 9 and 20 November 2026.
The decision to hold the conference in Türkiye follows negotiations between Türkiye and Australia concerning the hosting arrangements. The resulting agreement is unusual because the two countries have divided responsibility for the conference.
Türkiye is the official host country and holds the COP31 Presidency, represented by Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change.
Australia has responsibility for leading the formal negotiations, with its Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, serving as President of Negotiations.
This arrangement represents an unusual division of responsibilities within the UN climate conference process. Türkiye is responsible for the overall presidency and the conference’s Action Agenda, while Australia has a leading role in facilitating the formal negotiations between participating countries.
A high-level leaders’ summit is taking place on 11 and 12 November, bringing together heads of state and government to discuss climate priorities and demonstrate political commitment.
3. Who will participate in COP31?
COP31 brings together representatives from almost 200 countries that are parties to the UNFCCC.
Participation extends considerably beyond national governments. The conference provides an international platform for organisations and individuals involved in climate policy, environmental protection, energy, finance and sustainable development.
The principal participants include:
National governments
Government representatives are the most important participants in the formal negotiations. They include heads of state, government ministers, diplomats and specialist negotiators responsible for climate policy, energy, finance and environmental regulation.
These representatives negotiate the wording of international decisions and attempt to reach agreement on future climate commitments.
United Nations and international organisations
Representatives of the United Nations, including the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and other international organisations, contribute scientific information, policy advice and technical expertise.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also provides the scientific evidence underpinning international climate negotiations.
Business and industry
Businesses and industry representatives participate because climate change has significant implications for energy production, manufacturing, transport, construction, agriculture and financial services.
Companies are increasingly expected to demonstrate how they are reducing emissions, managing climate-related risks and adapting their operations to changing environmental conditions.
Environmental organisations and civil society
Environmental non-governmental organisations, charities, campaign groups and other civil society representatives attend to influence policy, monitor negotiations and promote stronger environmental commitments.
Scientists, academics and indigenous communities
Climate scientists and academic institutions provide research and evidence concerning climate change, its consequences and potential solutions.
Indigenous communities also play an important role, particularly in discussions concerning land use, biodiversity, deforestation and the protection of vulnerable communities.
The scale of participation is considerable. More than 92,000 people have registered for COP31, potentially making it the largest conference of its kind to date.
4. What are the principal issues likely to be discussed?
Although COP31 has a broad agenda, several subjects are expected to dominate the discussions.
4.1 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
One of the central objectives of the UN climate process is reducing greenhouse gas emissions sufficiently to limit global warming.
Carbon dioxide is the most significant long-lived greenhouse gas resulting from human activities, although methane, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases also contribute to climate change.
The principal sources include electricity generation from fossil fuels, industrial processes, transport, agriculture and changes in land use.
Countries will be expected to demonstrate how they are progressing towards their existing emissions reduction commitments and whether their current policies are sufficient to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
A particular concern is the gap between the emissions reductions required to meet the 1.5°C objective and the reductions currently being achieved.
COP31 is therefore expected to place considerable emphasis on implementation rather than simply announcing further long-term ambitions.
4.2 The transition away from fossil fuels
The future of coal, oil and natural gas remains one of the most politically contentious subjects in international climate negotiations.
At COP28 in Dubai in 2023, countries agreed to pursue a transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner.
However, translating this commitment into practical action has proved difficult.
Many countries remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation, industrial production, transport and economic development. Others are major exporters of oil and gas and have significant economic interests in maintaining existing production.
COP31 is expected to revisit the question of how the transition away from fossil fuels should be implemented.
Discussions are likely to include renewable energy, energy storage, electricity networks, nuclear power, energy efficiency and the financial support required to accelerate the transition.
The conference’s host country is also promoting an initiative known as ’35 by 35′, which seeks to increase electricity’s share of global energy consumption to 35% by 2035.
The proposal reflects the increasing importance of electrification in reducing emissions from buildings, transport and industrial activities.
Whether countries can agree on a more specific pathway for reducing fossil fuel dependence remains uncertain.
4.3 Climate finance
Climate finance is another major issue.
Developing countries frequently argue that they require financial assistance from wealthier nations to reduce emissions and protect their populations from the effects of climate change.
Many of these countries have contributed relatively little to historical greenhouse gas emissions but are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures, droughts, flooding, extreme weather and sea-level rise.
At COP29 in Baku in 2024, countries agreed a new climate finance goal under which developed countries would take the lead in mobilising at least $300 billion annually for developing countries by 2035. The wider ambition was to scale up finance from all sources to at least $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.
COP31 is expected to consider how these financial commitments can be delivered, how funding will be allocated and how developing countries can access the resources required.
The effectiveness of these arrangements will be an important test of international cooperation.
4.4 Climate adaptation and resilience
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is only one part of addressing climate change.
Even if emissions were substantially reduced, the effects of climate change would continue to be experienced for many years. Countries therefore need to develop measures to adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Climate adaptation includes measures such as:
- Improving flood defences and drainage infrastructure.
- Developing more resilient buildings, transport networks and other infrastructure.
- Improving water management and addressing drought.
- Protecting agricultural production against changing weather patterns.
- Improving emergency planning and disaster preparedness.
- Protecting coastal areas against rising sea levels and erosion.
- Developing early warning systems for extreme weather events.
COP31 is expected to place significant emphasis on adaptation planning and the financing required to implement these measures.
The conference is also expected to consider how climate resilience can be incorporated into urban planning, public health and economic development.
4.5 Loss and damage
Closely related to adaptation is the issue of loss and damage.
This concerns the economic and non-economic consequences of climate change that cannot be avoided through emissions reduction or adaptation measures.
Examples include the permanent loss of agricultural land, destruction of homes and infrastructure, damage to ecosystems and the displacement of communities following extreme weather events or rising sea levels.
The Loss and Damage Fund was established at COP27 in Egypt in 2022, with subsequent conferences developing its operational arrangements.
COP31 is likely to consider how the fund can be strengthened, financed and made more effective in supporting vulnerable countries.
4.6 Renewable energy and technological development
The development and deployment of renewable energy technologies will remain a major feature of the conference.
Solar and wind power have become increasingly important components of national energy strategies, while battery storage, hydrogen technologies and improvements in electricity transmission are helping to address some of the challenges associated with renewable energy.
The wider transition also involves improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions from industrial processes.
Technological innovation is particularly important because the transition to a lower-carbon economy requires substantial investment in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy systems.
COP31 is expected to encourage greater international cooperation and investment in these areas.
4.7 Climate change, trade and industrial competitiveness
Climate policy is increasingly influencing international trade and industrial competitiveness.
Governments are introducing measures intended to reduce the carbon intensity of products and supply chains, while businesses face increasing expectations to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions.
The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an important example. It is intended to address carbon leakage by applying a carbon pricing mechanism to certain imported goods.
The relationship between climate policy, international trade and industrial competitiveness is therefore likely to receive attention.
Businesses will increasingly need to understand how environmental requirements in one jurisdiction can affect their supply chains, exports and commercial relationships in another.
5. Which significant countries will not be attending, and why?
One of the most notable features of COP31 is the absence of several prominent political leaders and the lack of an official United States federal government delegation.
It is important to distinguish between countries that are not participating in the conference at all and countries whose heads of state or government are not attending the leaders’ summit. Many countries remain represented by ministers, diplomats and specialist negotiating teams even when their national leaders are absent.
United States
The absence of an official United States federal government delegation is particularly significant.
The United States is one of the world’s largest economies and one of its largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Its participation is therefore important to the effectiveness of international climate negotiations.
President Donald Trump has adopted a markedly different approach to climate policy from the previous US administration.
On returning to office in January 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. His administration subsequently initiated withdrawal from the UNFCCC itself.
The United States is therefore withdrawing from the international framework that underpins the annual COP conferences, with the UNFCCC withdrawal expected to take effect in 2027.
The Trump administration has not sent an official federal delegation to COP31, following the same approach taken at COP30.
However, this does not mean that all American participation is absent. US state and local government representatives, scientists, environmental organisations and business leaders are attending independently of the federal government.
The absence of federal representation is nevertheless a substantial political setback for the conference.
China
China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases and a central participant in international climate policy.
President Xi Jinping is not attending COP31. China is instead represented at the leaders’ level by Vice President Han Zheng.
This distinction is important because China has not withdrawn from the Paris Agreement or the UNFCCC and continues to participate in the formal negotiations.
China’s approach to climate change is complex. It remains heavily dependent on coal while simultaneously investing extensively in renewable energy, electric vehicles, battery manufacturing and other low-carbon technologies.
Its participation in the negotiations is therefore essential to any meaningful international agreement on emissions reductions.
India
India is another major emitter and an important participant in international climate negotiations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not attending the leaders’ summit. India remains represented through its wider government and negotiating participation.
India has consistently argued that developed countries should accept greater responsibility for historical emissions and provide financial and technological support to developing economies.
Its position reflects the difficulty of balancing economic development, energy security and emissions reduction.
European countries
Several prominent European leaders are also absent from the leaders’ summit, including the heads of government of France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Their absence should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from COP31. European Union representatives and national negotiating teams continue to participate.
The reasons for individual absences vary. In the case of French President Emmanuel Macron, the French government cited Armistice Day commemorations and other official commitments.
Nevertheless, the absence of several senior European leaders is noteworthy given the European Union’s stated commitment to climate action and its significant role in international environmental policy.
Japan and Canada
The leaders of Japan and Canada are also absent from the high-level summit.
Both countries remain participants in the international climate process, but their absence reduces the number of senior political representatives from major industrialised economies.
The significance of these absences
The absence of the United States federal government delegation is particularly important because of the country’s economic influence and contribution to global emissions.
The absence of leaders from China, India, Japan and several major European economies also raises questions about the level of political priority being given to the conference.
However, it would be incorrect to conclude that these countries are not participating in COP31 simply because their national leaders are absent.
The formal negotiations continue to involve representatives of almost 200 countries.
6. What is likely to be agreed at COP31?
Unlike some previous conferences, COP31 is not necessarily expected to produce a single landmark international agreement comparable with the Paris Agreement.
The emphasis is more likely to be on implementing existing commitments, strengthening international cooperation and agreeing practical measures to accelerate climate action.
Potential outcomes include:
- Further commitments and initiatives to accelerate renewable energy deployment and electrification.
- Progress on the delivery of international climate finance commitments.
- Agreement on measures to improve climate adaptation and resilience.
- Further work on the implementation of national emissions reduction targets.
- Progress on international carbon markets and the rules governing carbon credits.
- Initiatives to improve transparency and reporting of national climate commitments.
- Greater cooperation on climate technology, industrial development and sustainable infrastructure.
The ‘35 by 35‘ electrification initiative is one of the more prominent proposals associated with the conference.
However, it is important to distinguish between negotiated decisions and voluntary initiatives.
Not every announcement made at COP31 will represent a legally binding commitment. Some will be political declarations, voluntary targets or initiatives intended to encourage investment and cooperation.
The final significance of the conference will depend on the decisions adopted by participating countries and, more importantly, whether those decisions are translated into effective national policies.
7. What does COP31 mean for businesses?
Although COP31 is primarily an international political and diplomatic conference, its outcomes have implications for businesses across almost every sector.
Climate change and environmental regulation are increasingly influencing how organisations operate, manage risk and demonstrate compliance.
There are several areas of particular relevance.
Environmental legislation and regulatory compliance
International climate agreements influence the development of national and regional environmental policies.
These policies can subsequently result in new legislation and regulatory requirements relating to emissions, energy efficiency, waste management, industrial processes and environmental reporting.
Businesses need to understand which legal obligations apply to their activities and monitor changes in relevant legislation.
Carbon emissions and energy management
Organisations are increasingly expected to understand their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
This can involve monitoring electricity and fuel consumption, assessing the carbon footprint of business activities and identifying opportunities to reduce emissions.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy investment may also become increasingly important considerations for organisations seeking to manage operating costs and environmental impacts.
Climate-related business risks
Extreme weather events, flooding, drought and changing climatic conditions can affect business continuity, infrastructure, supply chains and access to resources.
Organisations should consider whether their existing risk assessments and business continuity arrangements adequately address these risks.
Supply chains and environmental expectations
Larger organisations increasingly expect suppliers and contractors to demonstrate appropriate environmental management arrangements.
Environmental performance, carbon emissions and sustainability reporting can therefore influence procurement decisions and commercial relationships.
Environmental management systems
International environmental policy also reinforces the importance of effective environmental management systems.
ISO 14001 provides a recognised framework for organisations to identify and manage their environmental aspects, understand compliance obligations, establish environmental objectives and continually improve environmental performance.
A properly maintained legal register is an important component of this process because it enables an organisation to identify the environmental legislation applicable to its activities and establish a framework for evaluating compliance.
As climate-related legislation and environmental requirements continue to develop, organisations need to ensure that their legal registers remain accurate, relevant and up to date.
8. Conclusion
COP31 represents another important stage in the international response to climate change.
The conference brings together governments, businesses, scientists and environmental organisations to consider how existing climate commitments can be translated into practical action.
The principal challenges remain substantial. Global emissions need to fall, the transition away from fossil fuels needs to accelerate, developing countries require financial support and governments must prepare for the increasingly significant physical effects of climate change.
The absence of an official United States federal delegation and several prominent national leaders highlights the political difficulties facing international climate cooperation. Nevertheless, the continued participation of almost 200 countries demonstrates that the UN climate process remains an important international forum.
For businesses, the significance of COP31 extends beyond the conference itself. International climate agreements influence national policy, environmental legislation and the expectations placed on organisations.
Companies should therefore continue to monitor developments in environmental law, understand their compliance obligations and ensure that their environmental management arrangements remain appropriate.
Ultimately, the success of COP31 will not be measured by the number of speeches or declarations made in Antalya, but by the extent to which governments and businesses translate international commitments into measurable environmental improvements.
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