COP31 Fossil Fuel Talks Stall in Antalya: What Happens Next, Key Dates
COP31's first week ended without a fossil fuel deal as producers resisted firm targets. Australia drafts a text next week; talks run to November 20.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Necati Savas / European Union, 2026 / EC - Audiovisual Service
ANTALYA, Türkiye — Saturday, November 14, 2026 — COP31's first week ended on Friday with no agreement on fossil fuels, as producers and consumers resisted firm new targets. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for an "immediate and drastic reduction" in emissions, as a UN report found the world is on course to exceed the 1.5°C limit in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
The deadlock leaves host Türkiye and lead negotiator Australia one week to land a deal before the November 20 close. Australia's Chris Bowen, President of Negotiations, is taking submissions until Saturday night and aims to draft a text early next week. The conference, the 31st meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, runs November 9 to 20 in Antalya.
Key Takeaways
- COP31's first week ended on November 13 with no deal on fossil fuels, as producers and consumers resisted firm new targets.
- Guterres called for an "immediate and drastic reduction" in emissions; a UN report says the world is on course to breach 1.5°C.
- Türkiye is pushing electrification, backed by Britain and the EU, targeting 35% of energy use by 2035.
- Australia drafts a text early next week.
Why COP31 Fossil Fuel Talks Stalled in the First Week
Saudi Arabia and Russia have long resisted language constraining fossil fuels, while India has opposed measures limiting its development. "Positions are still quite entrenched," said Cosima Cassel, an observer from environmental group E3G. Her colleague Katrine Petersen said India and the G77 wanted no "firm targets" or "fuel-specific language."
Small island states pleaded for urgent cuts; Saint Lucia's Philip J. Pierre said major emitters must move beyond promises. Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez replied: "We reaffirm our sovereign right to strengthen our energy and oil industry."
What Is the COP31 Electrification Plan and Who Backs It
Türkiye wants electrification at the centre of a deal, saying it will cut emissions by speeding the shift from fossil-fuel-powered cars, boilers and equipment. The plan does not require renewable power, though Brazil wants countries to map their transition away from fossil fuels.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham backed the 35% by 2035 goal. "The shift to clean energy is the only route to energy security," he said. The EU's Diana Acconcia called it "an inclusive agenda" that must come from clean sources. Attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz also unsettled energy markets, where four oil tankers were hit by explosions and oil prices jumped.
| Group | Position | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia, Russia | Resist firm fossil-fuel targets | Keep oil, gas and coal |
| India, G77 | Oppose firm targets, fuel language | Protect development choices |
| EU, Britain | Back electrification | Electricity at 35% by 2035 |
| Small island states | Demand urgent emissions cuts | Action at the pace demanded |
| United States | Absent for a second year | No delegation |
What Happens Next at COP31: Key Dates and the Finance Fight
Australia spent the first days gathering views on a consensus text. "It's my job to steer consensus, not to bang tables," Bowen said, adding "many more hours of consultations" lay ahead.
Finance is the second fault line: developing countries want rich nations to pay more. On Friday, Britain, Norway and Canada launched "10by30", a $10 billion climate finance plan for emerging markets by 2030. The United States, the biggest oil consumer, skipped the talks for a second year under President Donald Trump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did COP31 fossil fuel talks stall in the first week?
Producers and consumers resisted firm new targets or a move from oil, gas and coal. Saudi Arabia and Russia opposed limits on fossil fuels, while India and the G77 opposed firm targets.
What is the COP31 electrification plan and the 35% by 2035 target?
Türkiye wants electrification at the centre of a deal, lifting electricity to 35% of energy use by 2035. Britain and the EU back the goal, but the plan does not require renewable power.
When does COP31 end and when will the draft text be ready?
COP31 runs November 9 to 20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye. Australia takes submissions until Saturday night, November 14, and aims to draft a text early next week.
Is the United States attending COP31 in Antalya?
No. The United States skipped the talks for a second year under President Donald Trump, who has called global warming a hoax.
Australia is due to circulate a draft text early next week, and the COP31 presidency holds a midpoint press conference on Saturday. The conference closes on November 20.
