COP31 Shamakhi Retreat Sets Dual Turkey‑Australia Leadership as Europe Grapples with Record Heatwave Workplace Risks

High‑level negotiators gathered in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, on July 22‑23 for a preparatory retreat ahead of COP31 in November. For the first time the summit is co‑hosted, with Turkey holding the formal presidency and Australia appointed president of negotiations, a compromise that critics say may blur responsibilities but aims to unite climate‑vulnerable nations such as Pacific island states.

Meanwhile, Europe is now the fastest‑warming region after the Arctic, with a looming super El Niño projected to push temperatures to record levels. A recent heatwave in June is estimated to have caused up to 25,000 deaths, and occupational health experts warn that every degree above 20 °C can cut worker productivity by 2‑3 %. Health‑safety rules in Italy, Greece and other EU states now require breaks during peak heat, while the International Labour Organization notes that most heat exposure occurs outside officially declared heat‑wave periods, adding costly energy and equipment challenges for employers.