COP31 Showdown: African Negotiators Demand Control of Billions in Climate Cash and Critical Minerals

African negotiators are heading into the next round of United Nations climate talks with a sharpened message — the real fight is over money, minerals, and who profits from the global energy transition [278864]. But before they can even argue over climate finance at COP31, they must first secure the right to discuss it [278864]. The stakes are high: a new UN report reveals that money to help poor countries cope with the climate crisis has been flat or falling since 2022, despite growing damage from extreme weather and scientists' warnings that global heating may be speeding up [278795]. Financial support for adaptation — measures such as stronger infrastructure, early warning systems, flood protection and drought-resistant irrigation — remains far below what is needed [278795]. The funding is also well behind the promises rich countries made in 2021, pledges that were already considered inadequate when they were accepted in recognition of wealthy nations' far greater responsibility for the climate crisis [278795].

The pattern is familiar. Every year, before the global climate summit known as COP, the same question returns: what does Africa truly need from this meeting? The answer has not changed — the continent needs promises to become action [278850]. Adding pressure on COP31 hosts, fifty climate organizations have called on Turkey and Australia to make concrete commitments to phase out coal as they prepare for their leadership roles, urging both countries to reject permits for new coal power plants and mines [278700].