Climate action essential for survival, COP31 president warns

NADI, Fiji — Restricting global temperature rise must be treated as a survival imperative, according to the president overseeing the UN's major climate conference scheduled for next year, who voiced frustration over widespread failure to meet emissions reduction obligations.

Speaking on the final day of preparatory talks in Fiji on Thursday, the COP31 president emphasised that too many nations are neglecting their responsibilities to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The warning underscores mounting pressure ahead of the formal conference, which will bring together countries to negotiate climate action targets.

The comments reflect growing concern among climate officials that pledges made at previous conferences are not translating into concrete policy action. With global temperatures continuing to rise, delegates are grappling with how to bridge the gap between commitments and implementation across both developed and developing nations.

The COP31 presidency is urging all countries to prioritise emissions reductions as a critical measure for protecting their populations and economies from the accelerating impacts of climate change, from extreme weather events to rising sea levels.