UN Chief Calls for End to Fossil Fuels as COP31 Opens in Turkiye

News Desk

ANTALYA: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged world leaders on Wednesday to eliminate fossil fuels, declaring they must “go the way of the dinosaurs” at the opening of the COP31 climate summit in Turkiye.

The two-week talks commenced amid increasing global pressure to address climate change, following a year marked by extreme weather events including devastating heatwaves in Europe and catastrophic floods in Nepal.

Guterres emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The brutal truth is that the climate crisis is outrunning us,” as he addressed a gathering of world leaders in the Mediterranean city.

Despite the critical nature of the discussions, the summit is notably absent several key figures, raising concerns about the potential for significant breakthroughs in negotiations.

The implications of this summit are profound, as nations grapple with the dual challenges of rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions exacerbated by conflicts such as the US war with Iran and Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine.

The absence of major leaders could hinder the collective response needed to combat climate change effectively, impacting global efforts to transition to sustainable energy sources.

Looking ahead, the COP31 negotiations will continue until November 20, with hopes that participating nations can still forge meaningful agreements despite the challenges.

The international community remains watchful for any commitments that could signal a shift towards more aggressive climate action.