COP31 explained: What’s at stake at this year’s UN climate summit?

COP31 will convene countries to address the widening gap between rapid clean energy advances and the billions of people who still cannot afford those technologies. The summit's central focus has shifted from identifying solutions to ensuring affordability and equitable access, making climate finance and technology transfer the likely fault lines in negotiations. With millions still unable to benefit from existing tools, the talks will test whether wealthier nations commit new funding to help developing countries adopt clean energy. Watch for disputes over financing pledges and whether delegates agree on mechanisms to lower technology costs for lower-income economies.