World Leaders Speak Out on Global Crisis at COP31 Climate Conference

Gathering in Antalya under Turkey's host nation, world leaders at the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference announced the steps and priorities that must be taken against the climate crisis.

At the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference held in Antalya, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and leaders from numerous countries took the podium to evaluate the climate crisis. UN Secretary-General Guterres called for urgent action, stating that the climate crisis was spinning out of control, 2025 emissions had broken records, and the last four years were the hottest on record. President Erdogan stated that the fight against climate change coincided with a period when the international system was struggling with difficult issues such as wars, crises, migration, famine, and poverty, drawing attention to the heavy toll that armed conflicts inflict on nature.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasized that climate change was moving away from the rhetoric of global leaders and focusing instead on weapons and tariffs, while Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng underscored the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pointed to the importance of investments in clean energy technologies, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that faster cuts must be made in emissions. Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar expressed that gradual transitions cannot serve as an excuse for delay.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen drew attention to the cost of maintaining the status quo and noted that they support the 35 by 35 Global Electrification Pledge. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that developed countries must fulfill their climate financing obligations, while Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian stated that they expect a connection to be established between climate commitments in times of peace and responsibilities in times of war, and that the damage inflicted on the environment by military attacks should be documented.