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EU Climate Monitor Predicts 2026 to Be Second-Hottest Year on Record Amidst Strong El Nino

EU Climate Monitor Predicts 2026 to Be Second-Hottest Year on Record Amidst Strong El Nino

The European Union's climate monitor, Copernicus Climate Change Service, has announced that 2026 is highly likely to be the second-hottest year on record globally. This projection comes as an exceptionally strong El Nino weather pattern intensifies human-driven global warming. The report indicates a 20% chance that 2026 could tie or surpass 2024 as the warmest year ever. Global temperatures are now considered 'virtually certain' to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in 2026, with the four-year average from 2023 to 2026 also expected to surpass this critical threshold set by the Paris Agreement. October 2026 marked the warmest October on record, with average global surface air temperatures 1.75°C above pre-industrial times, continuing a three-month trend of exceeding the 1.5°C limit. Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), highlighted that the strong El Nino is adding significant heat to an already warming climate.

UN climate talks start in the year of disasters, energy price shocks and fast rising temperatures

UN climate talks start in the year of disasters, energy price shocks and fast rising temperatures

The United Nations climate negotiations will open in Turkey with a focus on three key narratives

COP31 in Antalya to Feature 60% Meat-Free Catering and Plant-Based Cafes

COP31 in Antalya to Feature 60% Meat-Free Catering and Plant-Based Cafes

The upcoming COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey, is set to implement a significant shift in its catering policy, aiming for 60% meat-free meals. This initiative also includes the presence of two fully plant-based cafes on-site and the participation of two local vegan businesses in the food court. According to the Food & Climate Action Group, a coalition of over 20 non-profits, this move is a cause for celebration. The hosts will also prioritize clearer labeling, providing ingredient and nutritional information to help delegates make informed choices. This decision follows a UN-backed report indicating that most countries are unlikely to meet 2030 food system goals, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emission reductions, which require annual reductions exceeding 60%.

As COP31 comes to Turkey, satellites reveal a landfill methane problem

As COP31 comes to Turkey, satellites reveal a landfill methane problem

By Ali Kucukgocmen SEYMEN, Turkey, Nov 7 (Reuters) - In the countryside west of Istanbul, trucks line up to empty mixed household waste from the city of 16 million people onto a vast landscape of decomposing rubbish, where landfill gas is captured to generate electricity at a nearby plant.

Turkey outlines plans for 'paradigm shift' in energy use ahead of climate summit

Turkey outlines plans for 'paradigm shift' in energy use ahead of climate summit

The Turkish energy minister has laid out plans for his country to wean itself away from coal and other fossil fuels as it prepares to host the COP31 climate change summit

Antalya Prepares for COP31 Climate Summit with Extensive Security Measures

Antalya Prepares for COP31 Climate Summit with Extensive Security Measures

Antalya is implementing extensive security measures for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled from November 9-20, 2026. The summit, hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate, and held under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is described as the world's largest climate summit. Governor Hulusi Şahin announced that a total of 25,839 police personnel will be deployed, supported by 5 air vehicles, 7 sea vehicles, 13 ATVs, 26 armored vehicles, 12 TOMAs (riot control vehicles), 20 police horses, 458 'falcon' teams, and 110 'dolphin' motorcycles. Additionally, 1,903 gendarmerie personnel and 215 coast guard personnel will be on duty, along with staff from AFAD, health services, and municipal departments, bringing the total security and support personnel to over 27,000.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Scripps Institution of Oceanography Co-Organize Ocean Pavilion at COP31 to Integrate Ocean Solutions into ...

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Scripps Institution of Oceanography Co-Organize Ocean Pavilion at COP31 to Integrate Ocean Solutions into ...

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20, 2026. This conference aims to bolster global commitment to climate action, focusing on limiting global warming and advancing climate adaptation measures. For the first time, the presidency duties are shared, with Turkey hosting and Australia leading negotiations. A significant feature of COP31 is the Ocean Pavilion, co-organized by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. This dedicated area within the Blue Zone of COP31 is designed to ensure that ocean-based solutions are prominently featured in climate negotiations. The Ocean Pavilion will host over 65 events during the two-week conference, bringing together various stakeholders committed to recognizing the ocean's crucial role in addressing the climate crisis. GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is also participating as a partner...

EU Commission Prioritizes Clean Electrification and Climate Finance at COP31

EU Commission Prioritizes Clean Electrification and Climate Finance at COP31

The European Union Commission is set to participate in the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9-20, 2026. The EU's primary objective at the conference is to collaborate with international partners to accelerate global climate action and fulfill the commitments of the Paris Agreement. Amidst increasing geopolitical and energy security challenges, the Commission emphasizes the growing socio-economic imperative for clean electrification, the widespread adoption of clean and renewable energy sources, a transition away from fossil fuels, and the mobilization of significant investment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted Europe's commitment to leading by example, aiming to become the first climate-neutral continent. The EU will also promote its 'Electrify Now' global campaign, advocate for carbon pricing through the Open Coalition on Compliance Carbon Markets, and advance green industrialization via the Climate Club. Various EU Commissioners will atte...

Mediterranean Countries Adopt Joint Climate Adaptation Framework in 2025 Amidst Rising Emissions

Mediterranean Countries Adopt Joint Climate Adaptation Framework in 2025 Amidst Rising Emissions

In 2025, Mediterranean countries collectively agreed upon a joint framework designed to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This agreement was reached despite a continued increase in emissions within the region. The framework aims to help these nations cope with the escalating effects of global warming, such as marine heatwaves, floods, and wildfires, which are becoming increasingly common in the Mediterranean. The region is identified as the second-fastest warming area globally, after the Arctic, and is projected to deplete its carbon budget for the 2°C limit by 2035. While the framework focuses on adaptation, there is a recognized need for regional action to reduce emissions, which is currently lacking.

COP31 Conference Emphasizes Human Rights as Central to Climate Action Amidst Global Disasters

COP31 Conference Emphasizes Human Rights as Central to Climate Action Amidst Global Disasters

The 31st United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP31) in Turkey is set to prioritize human rights as a core component of climate action, following a summer marked by devastating climate disasters globally. Catastrophic flash floods in Nepal, record-breaking heat, and widespread wildfires in Oceania and North America have underscored the severe threats to lives, human rights, and nature posed by even minimal exceedances of the 1.5-degree temperature limit of the Paris Agreement. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is urging parties at COP31 to fulfill their obligations under the Paris Agreement by integrating human rights into all decisions, from the transition away from fossil fuels to electrification and finance targets. The conference aims to accelerate climate action to return to below 1.5 degrees, recognizing that those least responsible for historical emissions often suffer the most from climate impacts.

Philippines Commits to Deeper Emissions Cuts and Seeks Climate Justice Ahead of COP31

Philippines Commits to Deeper Emissions Cuts and Seeks Climate Justice Ahead of COP31

The Philippines has submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, outlining a commitment to a 75-percent net greenhouse gas emissions reduction and/or avoidance target from 2025 to 2035. This updated plan, presented by the Climate Change Commission (CCC), aims to reduce emissions against projected cumulative business-as-usual emissions. Of this target, 7 percent is unconditional and will be pursued through domestic efforts, while the remaining 68 percent is conditional on international support. The commitment spans various sectors including energy, transport, industrial processes, agriculture, waste, forestry, and other land-use sectors. This move comes as the Philippines, despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, remains highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. The country is also pushing for climate justice and greater international support ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Confe...

COP31 Presidency Mandates 60% Meat-Free Catering and Plant-Based Cafes to Address Climate Impact of Food Systems

COP31 Presidency Mandates 60% Meat-Free Catering and Plant-Based Cafes to Address Climate Impact of Food Systems

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted in Antalya, Turkey, has set a goal for 60% of its catering to be meat-free. Additionally, the conference will feature two fully plant-based cafes on-site and has invited two local vegan businesses to participate in the food court. This initiative, supported by the Food & Climate Action Group, aims to highlight the connection between global food systems and climate change. The decision follows a UN-backed report indicating that most countries will not meet 2030 food systems goals, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emission reductions. Previous COP summits have shown varying commitments to plant-based options, with COP28 making two-thirds of its menu meat-free, while COP29 in Baku faced criticism for limited and mislabeled vegetarian options. COP31's focus on clearer labeling, including ingredient and nutritional information, is also part of this effort to enable informed choices for delegates.