In a significant development at the ongoing United Nations climate talks in Belem, Brazil, Turkey has been selected to host next year’s COP31 climate conference in the coastal city of Antalya. This decision came after Australia officially withdrew from the bidding process, ending a prolonged stalemate. Australian Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen made the announcement on the sidelines of the conference, emphasizing that while it would have been ideal for Australia to host, compromises were necessary. Under the agreement, Bowen will serve as the president of the COP31 negotiations, wielding full authority to manage discussions, appoint co-facilitators, draft texts, and issue final decisions. Environmental advocacy group Greenpeace described the arrangement as “highly unusual” but stressed the importance of maintaining urgency and focus on phasing out fossil fuels and halting deforestation. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has been confirmed as the host for COP32, with other nations, including India, already expressing interest in hosting subsequent conferences. The announcement underscores the growing global commitment to addressing climate change, even as logistical challenges and geopolitical considerations shape the hosting landscape.
Next year’s UN climate talks set for Turkey, as Australia backs out of bid in compromise
