UN Chief Urges Emissions Cuts At COP31

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged drastic emissions cuts at COP31 as divisions over fossil fuels persisted. Major producers resisted binding targets during the summit's first week.

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Teresa Anderson of Action Aid International Foundation holds an inflatable globe during a demonstration at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, November 13, 2026. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for immediate emissions cuts on Friday as COP31 climate talks in Turkey face deep divisions over fossil fuels. The first week of negotiations concluded with major energy producers resisting firm new targets to phase out oil and coal. The deadlock leaves summit hosts and lead negotiator Australia scrambling to forge a binding agreement before the summit closes.