As world leaders, policymakers, and climate experts gather in Antalya, Türkiye, for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), the world faces an important challenge: turning climate promises into real action.
Scheduled for November 9–20, COP31 comes at a significant time, more than a decade after the Paris Agreement was adopted. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, international conflicts, and economic inequalities have made global cooperation on climate change more important than ever.
The conference must go beyond speeches and discussions and focus on practical solutions to protect the environment and support communities most affected by climate change.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, brought countries together to fight climate change. Under this agreement, nations committed to keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius while making efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees.
However, there is still a major gap between international promises and practical action. According to the United Nations Environment Programme’s 2025 Emissions Gap Report, global temperatures could rise by around 2.3–2.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, even if countries fully implement their current climate commitments.
This warning shows that the world needs stronger policies, serious efforts, and greater cooperation to address the growing climate crisis.
COP31 provides an important opportunity to take practical steps towards addressing climate change. The main areas of focus should include renewable energy, better infrastructure, sustainable farming, food security, green industries, and climate finance.
These issues are especially important for developing countries, where climate change adds to existing problems such as poverty, unemployment, energy shortages, and economic difficulties.
Climate policies should not only focus on protecting the environment but also address the everyday needs of ordinary people. A successful green transition should create jobs, improve living conditions, and support long-term economic growth.
Climate finance is another major issue that needs serious attention at international climate conferences. At COP29 in Baku, countries agreed to provide at least $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries in addressing climate change.
They also set a broader target of raising $1.3 trillion annually from different sources by the same year. Although these commitments are a positive step, their success will depend on how quickly and fairly the money reaches the countries that need it most.
Developing countries need financial support through grants, low-interest loans, and affordable investment rather than more debt. Climate finance should not be seen as charity; it is a shared responsibility and an important part of global cooperation.
For Pakistan, COP31 is particularly important because the country is facing serious challenges due to climate change. Although Pakistan produces less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is among the countries most affected by climate-related disasters.
The devastating floods of 2022 affected around 33 million people and caused approximately $30 billion in damage and economic losses. The disaster damaged homes, roads, schools, and agricultural land, leaving millions of families struggling to recover.
It also showed how countries that contribute very little to global emissions can suffer major environmental and economic losses.
Pakistan’s climate problems are not limited to floods. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, melting glaciers, and water shortages are creating serious challenges for agriculture, public health, and the economy.
Farmers are among those most affected because their livelihoods depend heavily on weather and water availability. They need better irrigation facilities, improved seeds, modern farming methods, and reliable weather information.
The government must also invest in flood protection, water storage, drainage systems, and early-warning services to protect people and reduce future losses. Climate change should be treated as a major part of Pakistan’s development planning, rather than something that receives attention only when a disaster occurs.
Pakistan has also shown its commitment to fighting climate change through its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), submitted in 2025.
Under this plan, the country aims to reduce its expected greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2035 compared with the projected business-as-usual level. Out of this target, 17 percent will be achieved through Pakistan’s own efforts, while the remaining 33 percent will depend on international financial support, modern technology, and technical assistance.
The estimated cost of implementing these climate commitments is around $565.7 billion. However, achieving these targets will require financial support from international partners, better government planning, and strong cooperation between federal and provincial authorities.
Climate action should not be seen only as an environmental responsibility or an additional financial burden. It can also bring new opportunities for Pakistan’s economy by creating jobs, attracting investment, and supporting industrial growth.
Greater investment in solar and wind energy can reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuels and help improve energy security. Similarly, the development of green industries, electric transport, environmentally friendly buildings, and recycling facilities can create employment and support economic growth.
Modern farming techniques and better water management can also improve food production and protect farmers’ livelihoods. Pakistan should use the shift towards a greener economy as an opportunity to strengthen its economy while protecting its natural resources.
Technology will play an important role in addressing future climate challenges. Artificial intelligence, satellite systems, and modern weather forecasting can help countries prepare for natural disasters, monitor melting glaciers, and manage water and agricultural resources more effectively.
Early-warning systems can also give people and authorities enough time to prepare for floods, heatwaves, and other extreme weather conditions.
However, many developing countries still lack access to these modern technologies because of financial and technical limitations. They need affordable technology, research facilities, and professional training to deal with climate challenges effectively.
International cooperation is therefore necessary to make these technologies available to countries that need them most.
The involvement of young people, women, universities, researchers and civil society is equally important in addressing climate change. Environmental education and public awareness should become an essential part of national development policies.
Pakistan has a large young population that can play a positive role in promoting renewable energy, environmental protection, sustainable agriculture and climate research.
Government departments, educational institutions and international organisations should work together to provide young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to contribute to a greener future.
COP31 should also show that countries can work together to address global climate challenges despite political differences and international tensions.
Developed countries need to provide greater financial assistance and share modern technologies, while developing countries should improve their planning, transparency, and use of available resources.
Pakistan should use this international platform to raise its concerns about climate justice, financial support, environmental protection, and a fair transition towards clean energy.
The success of climate diplomacy should not be judged by the number of promises or agreements made at international conferences. It should be measured by the real improvements these commitments bring to people’s lives.
COP31 in Antalya provides an opportunity for countries to strengthen cooperation and turn climate commitments into practical results.
For Pakistan and other vulnerable nations, the need is clear: they require financial support, modern technology, and international cooperation to face the growing climate crisis.
Ultimately, the real success of COP31 will be seen in safer communities, protected livelihoods, and a better future for the generations to come.
Imran Shoukat is a lecturer in political science from District Toba Tek Singh, Punjab. His areas of interest include education, governance, public policy and social development. Through his writings, he explores issues affecting Pakistan’s education system and broader social and institutional development.
