COP31: Can global climate conferences be reformed?

A sign showing the way to the site of COP31, near the entrance to the Antalya Expo grounds in Antalya, Turkey, on September 30, 2026. GOKSEL YAPAR / AFP They have been accused of producing results that fall far short of the reality of the climate catastrophe. Of having become "monsters," with tens of thousands of participants traveling each year from one end of the planet to the other. Of throwing open the door to fossil fuel lobbyists.

They have also come under fire for their organization, sometimes entrusted to countries that disregard human rights and are major producers of hydrocarbons. Too large, too slow, too inefficient: The United Nations Climate Change Conferences, known as conferences of the parties (COP), whose 31 st session begins Monday, November 9, in Antalya, Turkey, have faced mounting criticism from negotiators, experts and non-governmental organizations alike.

These critiques have, in turn, sparked calls and proposals for reform. In recent years, dozens of prominent figures have urged a "fundamental overhaul of the COP," while 200 civil society organizations have demanded "urgent, drastic and comprehensive change." The issue also came up during COP17 on biodiversity, which concluded on October 31 in Armenia. You have 86.12% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.