COP31 climate summit preparations

Preparations for the COP31 summit in Antalya, Türkiye, are characterized by diplomatic friction regarding scientific benchmarks and participation. Disagreements have emerged over whether the 1.5-degree Celsius warming limit should remain the primary benchmark for emissions reduction commitments. While small island states and the European Union advocate for this threshold, countries such as Saudi Arabia and India have questioned its inclusion. Additionally, there are tensions regarding the timing of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, with some nations attempting to delay assessments.

As the summit approaches, China and Taiwan are seeking to influence global climate governance. China is expected to advocate for multilateralism and an open international trade system for clean-energy technologies, while also calling for increased financial support from developed nations. Meanwhile, Taiwan has requested international support for its substantive participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, arguing that its success in decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions should allow it to contribute practical solutions despite political factors.