Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has warned that the world is entering a new era in which extreme weather conditions are becoming increasingly common, calling on governments to accelerate climate action as the COP31 conference opens in Antalya, Türkiye.
Guterres issued the warning on Monday, November 9, 2026, as world leaders, climate negotiators, scientists and environmental organisations gathered for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
He urged governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions faster, accelerate a fair transition away from fossil fuels and provide vulnerable countries with the financial support and protection needed to withstand worsening climate impacts.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over rising global temperatures, melting ice, rising sea levels and increasingly destructive weather events.
Guterres Calls for Urgent Climate Action
In a statement marking the opening of the climate discussions, Guterres warned that the combination of human-induced global warming and a powerful El Niño weather phenomenon could intensify extreme weather conditions.
He said the world had entered a new age of climate extremes, stressing that governments could no longer afford to delay meaningful action.
The UN chief called on political leaders to take stronger measures to address the climate crisis, particularly by reducing emissions and ensuring that countries most exposed to climate-related disasters receive adequate financial assistance.
His remarks also highlighted the need for a fair transition from fossil fuels, ensuring that the shift towards cleaner energy does not disproportionately affect workers, poorer communities and developing economies.
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WMO Report Highlights Rising Global Temperatures
Guterres’ warning coincided with the release of the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) 2026 State of the Climate Update, which presented fresh evidence of the accelerating effects of global warming.
According to the report, the average global surface temperature between January and September 2026 was approximately 1.47°C above the pre-industrial average recorded between 1850 and 1900.
The WMO said 2026 was on course to become one of the four warmest years since modern temperature records began.
It also identified 2015 to 2026 as the 12 warmest years on record, highlighting the persistence of exceptionally high global temperatures.
The report raised concerns over several other climate indicators, including:
- Rising global sea levels, which reached their highest point in the satellite record.
- Record ocean heat levels, with 2026 on course to become the tenth consecutive year of exceptionally high ocean temperatures.
- Continued melting of glaciers and declining polar sea ice.
- Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- Growing risks of extreme heat, droughts and heavy rainfall.
The WMO explained that the ocean absorbs approximately 90 per cent of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, making ocean temperatures an important indicator of the planet’s changing climate.
The agency also warned that Earth’s energy imbalance had reached its highest level since monitoring began, indicating that the planet was accumulating heat faster than it could release it.
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El Niño Could Intensify Climate Risks Into 2027
Another major concern highlighted by the UN chief and climate scientists is the development of a particularly strong El Niño event.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon involving unusually warm sea surface temperatures across parts of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
It influences atmospheric circulation and can change rainfall and temperature patterns across different parts of the world.
Although El Niño occurs naturally, its effects can become more damaging when combined with human-induced global warming.
The WMO said El Niño had intensified since August 2026 and was expected to reach exceptional strength towards December.
The agency warned that the phenomenon could increase the likelihood of extreme heat, drought and heavy rainfall in different regions, with effects potentially extending into 2027.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the current climate conditions gave new meaning to the expression that temperatures were going beyond established limits.
She explained that El Niño releases heat stored in the ocean rather than creating entirely new heat, but the exceptionally warm condition of the oceans means more heat is available to influence global temperatures.
The organisation stressed that improved climate forecasting and early-warning systems would be essential in helping countries prepare for the potential consequences.
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Climate Finance Dispute Emerges at COP31
Beyond the scientific warnings, climate financing has emerged as one of the important negotiating challenges at the opening of COP31.
According to reporting by Hong Kong’s public broadcaster RTHK, negotiations over the conference agenda continued late on Sunday, November 8, as developing countries pushed for climate finance discussions to receive greater attention.
The disagreement delayed the opening ceremony by approximately 90 minutes on Monday.
Developing countries have repeatedly argued that wealthier nations must provide more financial support to help poorer economies respond to climate change.
The issue is particularly important because developing countries often face significant climate-related risks despite having contributed comparatively less to historical greenhouse gas emissions.
At COP31, African countries also pushed for discussions on increasing adaptation finance.
Climate adaptation financing supports practical measures that help communities prepare for and manage climate impacts. These include constructing flood protection infrastructure, improving water management, developing drought-resistant agricultural systems and strengthening disaster preparedness.
Greenpeace’s COP31 delegation leader, Jasper Inventor, described the conference’s initial negotiations as difficult, according to RTHK’s report.
The disagreement reflects a broader challenge facing international climate negotiations: reaching agreement not only on reducing emissions but also on who should finance the measures needed to protect vulnerable populations.
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Why COP31 Matters to Africa
The discussions in Antalya carry particular importance for African countries, where climate change presents serious challenges to agriculture, food security, water availability, infrastructure and economic development.
Many African economies depend heavily on climate-sensitive activities, particularly rain-fed agriculture.
Changes in rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, extreme temperatures and flooding can disrupt agricultural production, affect rural livelihoods and increase pressure on food supplies.
Countries in the Horn of Africa and parts of the Sahel are among the regions where climate-related risks require sustained attention.
For communities already experiencing water shortages and environmental pressures, stronger climate adaptation measures could help reduce vulnerability.
The WMO’s 2026 report also identified climate-related risks to health, agriculture and food security, warning that extreme heat and changing rainfall patterns could have serious consequences for vulnerable populations.
For African governments, the availability of affordable climate finance remains an important part of the response.
Funding can support renewable energy development, climate-resilient infrastructure, improved agricultural systems, early-warning technology and better water management.
However, access to finance, the cost of borrowing and the capacity to implement large-scale projects remain significant considerations for developing economies.
The COP31 discussions therefore offer African countries an opportunity to press for stronger international cooperation and financial commitments that translate into practical benefits for their populations.
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What World Leaders Are Expected to Address
COP31 is the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The conference is taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to November 20, 2026.
It brings together governments, international organisations, climate scientists, businesses, civil society groups and other stakeholders to negotiate responses to climate change.
The conference is expected to focus on turning existing climate commitments into measurable action.
Key areas include:
1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Governments face growing pressure to strengthen measures aimed at reducing emissions from energy production, transportation, industry and other major sources.
2. Transitioning to cleaner energy
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable and other low-emission energy sources remains central to international climate discussions.
3. Climate adaptation
Countries need stronger infrastructure, agricultural systems and emergency-response mechanisms to withstand climate-related disasters.
4. Climate finance
Developing countries are seeking more accessible and predictable financial support to implement climate policies and protect vulnerable communities.
5. Early-warning systems
Improved forecasting and disaster-warning technology can help governments and communities prepare for extreme weather before it causes widespread damage.
The UNFCCC has also highlighted the importance of translating international climate decisions into tangible outcomes for communities and economies.
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UN Climate Chief Calls for Practical Results
The Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Simon Stiell, also called for meaningful outcomes during the conference’s opening session.
According to the UNFCCC, Stiell urged participating countries to strengthen negotiations and ensure that decisions made at COP31 help translate national climate targets into practical results.
He stressed that no single climate conference could resolve the entire climate crisis but argued that every summit must contribute to measurable progress.
His remarks reinforce the growing expectation that international climate negotiations should move beyond declarations and produce outcomes that governments can implement.
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What Happens Next?
COP31 will continue in Antalya until November 20, with negotiations expected to address emissions reduction, climate adaptation, international cooperation and financial support for developing countries.
A major test for participating governments will be whether they can reach meaningful agreements on climate financing while strengthening commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The discussions will also provide an opportunity for African countries and other climate-vulnerable nations to press for stronger protection against the effects of global warming.
The WMO is expected to publish its full State of the Global Climate 2026 report in March 2027, incorporating additional scientific contributions and data.
For now, Guterres’ warning places the urgency of climate action firmly at the centre of the Antalya negotiations.
The challenge facing world leaders is no longer simply recognising that the climate is changing, but agreeing on the financial, political and practical measures required to protect people and economies.
The success of COP31 will ultimately depend on whether governments can turn their promises into actions capable of reducing climate risks and protecting future generations.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
1. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – State of the Climate Update for COP31, November 9, 2026. Read report.
2. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – State of the Climate in 2026 Gives New Meaning to Phrase “Off the Charts”. Read report.
3. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – COP31 Conference Updates and Official Proceedings. Read updates.
4. RTHK – COP31 Climate Talks Off to Troubled Start Over Money, November 9, 2026. Read report.
5. The Guardian – A New Age of Climate Extremes: Earth Accumulating Heat at Accelerating Rate, November 9, 2026. Read report.
6. United Nations – COP31 to Take Place 9–20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye. Read announcement.
