Climate campaigners rallied in Antalya on Nov. 14 for tighter fossil fuel limits and adaptation aid as negotiations among nearly 200 countries reached the midpoint of COP31.
AFP reported police put turnout above 7,000. Environmental groups, labor unions and rights organizations organized the Nov. 14 rally. Police searched participants before entry, and the demonstration ended without a major incident.
Halime Saman of the Peoples’ Climate Summit platform said demonstrators felt ignored. “Our voices are never heard at the COP,” she told AFP. Saman said Turkey lacked a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels as new power plants and coal mines opened.
AFP reported unresolved divisions over funding for adaptation in developing countries. Negotiators also addressed climate science and the shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy. COP31’s agenda had already drawn a dispute over climate finance.
Turkey also sought support for a voluntary pledge to lift electricity’s share of global final energy demand, described in EconoTimes’ earlier report on the COP31 electricity pledge.
Australian climate minister Chris Bowen, who chairs formal negotiations, told AFP discussions had been “really good and positive conversations,” but said some issues needed more time. AFP reported that a conflict-driven energy crisis and geopolitical tensions were dampening hopes for a major breakthrough.
AFP reported that U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell told reporters Nov. 14, “There’s no climate quick fix,” and said each summit must make progress. Countries are seeking an agreement before the conference’s scheduled Nov. 20 close.
