Cop31 host urges wealthy countries to spend ‘much more’ on climate than defence

Wealthy countries should allocate significantly more resources to combat the climate crisis than the 5% of GDP pledged by NATO members for defense, according to Murat Kurum, the president-designate of the upcoming COP31 summit. Speaking at the pre-COP summit in Fiji, Kurum emphasized that "the climate issue is the security issue."

Kurum, who also serves as Turkey's climate change minister, expressed concerns about whether nations should attempt to replicate previous agreements aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels, the primary driver of the climate crisis. He stated that the world is already undergoing a transition and suggested that fossil fuel usage could be addressed indirectly through other measures.

The pre-COP meeting in Fiji brought together national leaders, ministers, and civil society members to prepare for COP31, which will be held in Antalya, Turkey, in November. Australia, now the "president of negotiations" at COP31, advocated for the Pacific location to highlight the challenges faced by island nations.

Despite geopolitical tensions, a historic energy crisis, and a climate-denying U.S. administration, only 13 national leaders attended the meeting, primarily from the Pacific region. However, around 30 ministers, including representatives from India and Europe, as well as officials from major emitters like China and Saudi Arabia, participated, totaling about 4,000 attendees.

On Tuesday, a delegation visited Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll nation at high risk from climate change. They observed a 20-hectare land reclamation project and heard poignant stories from residents about their struggles against rising sea levels and extreme weather.