Dependence on fossil fuels is increasing economic pressure on governments and households, UN climate chief Simon Stiell said at the opening of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya.
The executive secretary of UN Climate Change said volatility in global energy markets and climate disasters were adding to inflation, straining public budgets and pushing up household bills.
Stiell argued that accelerating the shift to clean energy could help ease those pressures. He also said stronger resilience to disasters would protect communities and reinforce the supply chains on which economies depend.
The leaders’ summit is being held on Nov. 11-12 during COP31, which runs in Antalya through Nov. 20. The second day includes national statements from heads of state and government, as well as discussions on implementing the Paris Agreement and improving access to climate finance.
COP31 brings together governments, negotiators, businesses and civil society groups to discuss emissions reductions, adaptation and funding for climate action.
