Leaders Clash Over Cover Decision And Climate Finance As Cop31 Enters Third Day

UPDATE - follow-up to Cop31: 'The crisis is upon us now' Burnham due to tell climate summit: As Cop31 enters its third day in Antalya, Turkey, world leaders are clashing over whether to adopt a binding cover decision for the summit. While Australia has left the option open, opposition has emerged from Russia, the Arab Group, and the Like-Minded Developing Countries block.

Negotiating Disputes

The contested cover decision could include critical pledges such as deriving 35% of final energy from electricity by 2035, recognizing Brazil's roadmap to move away from fossil fuels, and addressing adaptation finance for poorer nations. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed the summit to pledge that Britain is ready to play its full part, while also planning to appoint a climate security adviser and hold talks with Brazilian President Lula.

Global Warnings

Activists and leaders delivered stark warnings during the sessions. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg told delegates that the planet is being killed by the very people expected to rescue it. Prime Minister Fatafehi Fakafanua of Tonga urged the developed world to meet its moral and legal duties, while Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale warned his nation remains stuck in perpetual climate disaster recovery mode.

Context

Cover decisions are formal documents negotiated and gavelled through at the end of UN climate summits to capture binding resolutions and disparate discussion threads. Past cover decisions successfully yielded major milestones such as the Glasgow pact to phase down coal and the Dubai pledge to transition away from fossil fuels.