UN climate chief urges speed as COP31 confronts fossil fuel divide
Summary
UN climate chief Simon Stiell urged negotiators at COP31 in Turkey to move quickly on the toughest issues and avoid delays as countries clash over fossil fuel commitments. The conference faces pressure from war, inflation and disagreement over how far to push the transition away from oil, gas and coal.
Key Points
- Simon Stiell urged COP31 negotiators to speed up talks and avoid tactical delays as the conference enters its second week.
- Fossil fuel producers and consumers are resisting language that would set firm new targets or clearly shift away from oil, gas and coal.
- Turkey is pushing an electrification plan as part of the deal, but critics say it does not clearly require renewable energy.
- The United States has skipped the talks for a second year in a row under President Donald Trump, who continues to reject mainstream climate science.
