U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is using COP31, opening in Antalya, Türkiye, on Nov. 9, for what he describes as his final major climate push before leaving office at the end of 2026. In an interview with The Associated Press ahead of the summit, he urged leaders to treat climate action as an immediate responsibility and called the moment a test of whether past commitments will become action.

What Guterres wants leaders to address

Guterres told AP that countries must move beyond repeated discussions and do more to cut emissions. He also argued that windfall profits earned by fossil-fuel companies should be taxed to help countries facing severe climate impacts. That is his proposal; it is not an agreement adopted by the summit.

The official COP31 program runs through Nov. 20. Delegates are expected to discuss how lower-income countries can fund adaptation to rising temperatures and extreme weather, alongside the transition away from fossil fuels. The summit’s agenda makes finance and implementation central questions, not simply the announcement of new targets.

Why this is Guterres’ final summit season

Guterres’ second term as secretary-general ends on Dec. 31, 2026, according to the United Nations. That gives the Antalya talks added significance for his climate advocacy, though decisions at COP31 will be made by participating governments rather than by the secretary-general alone.

For readers tracking the science alongside the negotiations, The Globuzz recently covered the World Meteorological Organization’s outlook that 2026 could rank among the four warmest years on record. The two developments address different parts of the climate story: observed warming and the policy choices now before negotiators.

What to watch during COP31

The practical test will be whether countries turn existing pledges into funded measures, particularly for adaptation and the shift to cleaner energy. Guterres’ remarks set out his priorities, but the negotiations will show what governments are prepared to commit to before the conference closes on Nov. 20. Follow continuing coverage in The Globuzz World section.

Sources

Associated Press interview with António Guterres; Associated Press report on COP31 opening; United Nations COP31 dates and overview; United Nations confirmation of Guterres’ term end.