Nations gather at COP31 in Antalya as climate targets encounter mixed reactions

Delegates from roughly 200 nations are meeting in Antalya for the COP31 UN climate conference, which runs from 9 to 20 November. Australia and Turkey have put forward a joint proposal aiming for electricity to account for 35 percent of final global energy consumption by 2035, a target endorsed by Germany amid ongoing Middle Eastern energy supply concerns.

However, climate activist Greta Thunberg delivered a sharp rebuke of the summit, asserting that "nobody is coming to save us" and accusing world leaders of abandoning vulnerable communities affected by environmental degradation.

Domestic obligations have drawn key leaders away from the conference. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remained in Germany to address rising antisemitism, characterising the protection of the Jewish community as a historic test. Meanwhile, Romanian Energy Minister Dumitru Chisăliță outlined planned government relief schemes for households and businesses facing elevated winter energy costs.

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