COP31 climate summit opens in Antalya as domestic crises keep key leaders away

Negotiators from nearly 200 nations are gathering in Antalya for the COP31 UN climate conference, which runs from 9 to 20 November. Australia and Turkey have proposed a target to ensure electricity accounts for 35 percent of final global energy consumption by 2035, an initiative backed by Germany amid escalating energy security concerns tied to Middle Eastern instability.

However, climate activist Greta Thunberg strongly criticized the conference, claiming "nobody is coming to save us" and accusing world leaders of abandoning vulnerable communities affected by climate change.

Several leaders missed the summit due to domestic issues. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remained in Munich to address rising antisemitism, declaring that protecting Jewish institutions represents a historic test for the nation. Simultaneously, Romanian Energy Minister Dumitru Chisăliță announced planned winter relief schemes for households and businesses facing high energy costs.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, Economedia, HotNews, Ziarul de Gardă