What are the relationships and dominant interests in play, as the summit kicks off after a bitter row over its hosting? Hosting Cop was a key pledge from Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese in 2021 , while in opposition, before his successful election campaign. But arcane rules meant the country had to wait its turn to bid and was then embroiled in an angry row with Turkey over the hosting . The final compromise put Australia in charge of the negotiations which will take place in the Turkish city of Antalya. The bitter taste left by the row lingers and Australia has seemed to some a rather half-hearted host. The country’s media has been much quieter on Cop than previous host countries, and although Albanese will speak at the opening of the leaders’ segment, he is unlikely to stay long. Continue reading...
Who’s who at Cop31: key players at the climate talks

Original reporting
The Guardian: read the full reportFollow this story
Earlier reports and follow-ups on the same developing story.
- How do you broker UN climate talks when your own country is a big coal and gas exporter? Chris Bowen is about to find out
- Cop31: what is at stake at the UN climate summit and what can it achieve?
- Cop31 must deliver climate progress that people can see is real, host says
- Turkiye pushes electrification top of climate agenda as COP31 set to open
- Scientists predict 2026 hottest year on record as climate talks begin
- Cop31: will Andy Burnham choose climate or cost of living? – podcast
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