More than 100,000 delegates from 197 countries are gathering in Antalya, Turkey, for this year's COP summit, which organisers say will focus on practical measures to address the climate emergency, including cutting carbon emissions and lowering energy bills.
The conference, held on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, is set to discuss climate finance, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and strengthening action on emissions. President-delegate Murat Kurum said in his opening statement that decisions must have tangible effects.
Summit Aims for Practical Outcomes
"Our decisions must take shape in a city's infrastructure," Kurum said. "On a farmer's land and along a factory's production line. Families must feel their impact in lower energy bills."
UK Government representatives are attending the conference, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to visit Antalya during the week. A delegation of US State Governors and members of Congress is also present, although the US Government does not have an official presence at COP for the second consecutive year.
Urgency After Deadly Floods
The summit carries a sense of acute urgency, coming just weeks after devastating flash floods in Nepal and Tibet led to at least 1,498 deaths, with many thousands more missing. Scientists believe climate change probably increased the likelihood of the disaster.
Simon Steill, the United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary, said: "The urgency of this moment must drive us forward. Global heating is already costing the Earth. Appalling tragedy has hit the Himalayas, adding to the ever-expanding catalogue hitting communities across every region."
Economic Impact of Renewables
Steill also highlighted the economic pressures of fossil fuel costs, noting that "this year's fossil fuel cost chaos has delivered a global shockwave, hitting households hard and spreading inflation like a cancer." He added that global renewables saved around half a trillion dollars last year, and another $265 billion in the first half of this year alone.
