ECO bulletin urges COP31 leaders to strengthen participation and adaptation finance

What happened

Climate Action Network has published a new edition of its ECO bulletin during COP31 in Antalya. The publication addresses political leaders who did not attend the summit and argues that governments must respond more firmly to worsening climate impacts.

The bulletin points to recent extreme-weather events and calls for adaptation funding to be tripled. It also asks for technology transfer and capacity-building so developing countries can implement their national adaptation plans.

A separate section raises concerns about access to the COP31 venue. ECO says public-transport services leaving the security zone will cease at 07:00 on 11 and 12 November. It argues that the arrangement could restrict access for civil-society representatives, affected communities, young people, Indigenous Peoples, workers and journalists.

Why it matters

The bulletin frames participation as a core part of the UN climate process rather than an optional benefit. It says observers monitor negotiations, challenge governments and press for outcomes that reflect the interests of communities most exposed to climate impacts.

For participants travelling to COP31 in Türkiye, the transport timetable could require earlier journeys to the venue or prevent attendance after the morning cut-off. ECO calls on COP presidencies to maintain practical access for observers, including disabled participants, on every day of a summit.

No specific measures for Turkish or EU businesses are set out in the bulletin. Its recommendations are directed at governments and COP organisers, particularly on adaptation support and access to negotiations.

Background

ECO is published by Climate Action Network and has reported civil-society perspectives on UN Framework Convention on Climate Change processes since 1972. The bulletin refers to commitments in Article 4.1(i) of the Convention on broad participation, as well as Article 12 of the Paris Agreement on public participation and access to information.

What's next

The transport change identified by ECO applies from 07:00 on 11 and 12 November. The bulletin asks COP presidencies to keep negotiation rooms and the Green Zone accessible, safeguard peaceful protest and treat participation as an operational right.