Türkiye urged to prioritize fragile states at COP31 climate summit

As Türkiye prepares to host COP31 in Antalya, the conference presents a critical opportunity to address a significant gap in climate action: the failure to adequately support people living in conflict zones and fragile states. Türkiye has framed COP31 as an "implementation COP," aiming to translate Paris Agreement commitments into tangible actions and ensure inclusivity.

Fragile and conflict-affected countries, many located near Türkiye, such as Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen, are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change impacts like floods, droughts, and heatwaves. However, ongoing conflict and weak governance have eroded essential infrastructure and social systems, making them less resilient. This instability often deters crucial investments, as climate funds and development partners perceive these contexts as too risky.

The disparity in funding is stark. In 2024, fragile countries received only 28% of the estimated climate finance needed for adaptation. Somalia, for instance, receives significantly less climate finance than its national plan identifies as necessary, despite substantial humanitarian aid. This highlights a broader international challenge: the system is better equipped to respond to climate crises after they occur than to invest proactively in risk reduction. Without greater investment in adaptation, climate-related losses in Somalia alone could reach $100 billion by 2050. Similar logic applies to post-conflict reconstruction, where integrating climate risks into rebuilding efforts is vital for long-term stability.