World leaders gather at COP31 in Turkiye amid absences

COP31 has commenced in Antalya, Turkiye, focusing on climate action as global warming intensifies. The summit aims to promote a voluntary initiative to increase electricity's share of global energy consumption to 35% by 2035. Notable leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, are set to address the conference. The two-week event is under pressure to address climate crises following severe weather events globally, including heatwaves in Europe and floods in Nepal. The absence of some prominent leaders has raised concerns about the summit's effectiveness in driving climate action. As discussions unfold, observers emphasize the need for concrete decisions on carbon budgets and climate strategies. The outcomes of COP31 could significantly influence future climate policies and international cooperation on environmental issues.