Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen told Anadolu that COP31 needs to give companies confidence to keep investing in renewable energy, while showing international climate cooperation can produce results.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change lists Bowen as COP31's president of negotiations, alongside his Australian cabinet post. He said governments should signal continued support for renewable energy so businesses can maintain investment. Delegates in Antalya are also discussing electrification and fossil-fuel policy.
Bowen also focused on adaptation finance for small island developing states. He told Anadolu those countries receive 0.2% of global climate finance for adaptation, and said complicated applications and limited administrative capacity make it harder for vulnerable countries to obtain climate funding.
He said the summit should demonstrate that countries can make progress together despite wars, energy insecurity and cost-of-living pressures. Bowen pointed to climate negotiations in Paris, Glasgow and Dubai as work countries should continue and strengthen.
Some issues still require technical discussions, while others need political agreements during COP31's second week, Bowen said. The Antalya summit is scheduled to continue through Nov. 20.
