COP31 opens in Antalya in the 'overshoot era' as 92,000 register

· Climate · Turkey

Delegates from about 200 countries gathered in Antalya, Turkey, for the 31st UN climate summit, with more than 92,000 people registered to attend—potentially making it the largest COP yet, according to Carbon Brief's analysis of delegate numbers. Inside Climate News described it as the first COP to open since UN scientists concluded, in effect, that a key temperature target has been missed, calling the moment the "overshoot era." Activists including Greta Thunberg arrived at the talks, saying "everything we love is at stake." Coverage also noted that three decades of climate talks have not dislodged fossil fuels, with aviation and other emissions still woven into the conference itself. One expected outcome is the launch of a "just transition" mechanism, the subject of a Carbon Brief explainer.

Why it matters：With the temperature target effectively missed, COP31 will be judged on whether the process can deliver adaptation money, just-transition mechanisms and credibility rather than new pledges alone.

Key points

  • More than 92,000 people registered for COP31 in Antalya, Turkey.
  • Inside Climate News framed the summit as the first of the 'overshoot era.'
  • A Belém-Antalya 'just transition' mechanism is an expected outcome.

Sources (original reporting)

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