Delegates gather for COP31 summit amid geopolitical tension and climate criticism

Negotiators from nearly 200 nations have convened in Antalya for the COP31 UN climate conference, running from 9 to 20 November. Australia and Turkey proposed a global target requiring electricity to comprise 35 percent of final energy consumption by 2035. The plan earned German support as Middle East instability renewed focus on fossil fuel vulnerabilities.

However, climate activist Greta Thunberg sharply criticized the proceedings, warning that "nobody is coming to save us" and asserting that political leaders are failing vulnerable communities.

Several leaders missed the talks due to domestic crises. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz skipped the event to address surging antisemitism at home, describing the defense of Jewish institutions as a historical test. Meanwhile, Romanian Energy Minister Dumitru Chisăliță announced prospective winter relief packages for citizens and businesses facing elevated energy costs.

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