Global leaders clash over fossil fuels and climate action at UN summit

UPDATE - follow-up to Cop31 live: 'Fossil fuels must go the way of the dinosaurs' - UN chief hits out at industry lobbying: World leaders addressed the third day of UN climate talks as outgoing UN chief António Guterres launched a sharp attack on the fossil fuel industry, warning that the sector must go the way of the dinosaurs because unlike prehistoric creatures, fossil fuels have a powerful lobby.

World Leaders Speak

Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso highlighted forest protection, noting his country planted nearly 200,000 trees this month for its 40th national day of the tree. North Macedonia President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova warned that her landlocked nation is among the most vulnerable to climate change. Sudan President Abdalfatah Alburhan called for greater adaptation investments while staying within his time limit. Finland President Alexander Stubb argued that climate change is chronically underrepresented on the global agenda and linked some conflicts to environmental pressures. Slovenia President Nataša Pirc Musar stressed that a gradual energy transition cannot serve as an excuse for continuous delay.

Emissions and Targets

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described recent extreme weather as the summer of truth and stated that Europe is on track to cut emissions by more than half by 2030, though an environmental report shows current policies reach 54 percent against a legally binding 55 percent target. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine delivered a blunt warning about overshooting the 1.5 degree Celsius warming target, criticizing the summit host nation Turkey for celebrating new oilfield discoveries.

Costs and Culture

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned that climate shocks cost her country 2 to 3 percent of its gross domestic product annually. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides noted that global warming crosses all borders and politics. Meanwhile, Turkish hosts clarified that the summit theme tune 'Let's Cop' used artificial intelligence tools in its composition and production, with lyrics and melody written by a professional musician.

Context

International climate summits bring together nations to negotiate emission reductions, financial aid for vulnerable countries, and policy frameworks to limit global temperature rises. These gatherings often highlight sharp divisions between major economies, developing states, and fossil fuel producers over the speed and funding of the green transition.