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The 31st United Nations Climate Conference, known as COP31, opened in the Turkis
The 31st United Nations Climate Conference, known as COP31, opened in the Turkish city of Antalya on 9 November, with delegates from across the world expected to negotiate until 20 November. In a historically unusual arrangement, Turkey and Australia are jointly presiding over the conference — a compromise reached after both countries had sought to host. The agenda covers themes including green industrialization, methane reduction, sustainable food systems and climate-resilient urban infrastructure. The talks are taking place after global monitoring services reported that October 2026 was the hottest October in recorded history, and that the current year is on course to become only the second in recorded history to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming above pre-industrial levels. How to distribute the costs of adapting to climate change between wealthier and lower-income countries is expected to be among the most contested areas of discussion. What single outcome from COP31 would matter most to you or your community?