COP31 leaders try out new sales pitch for climate action: do it for the economy
SPY•Leaders at the COP31 summit in Turkey are framing climate action as a way to strengthen economies and lower living costs, citing fossil-fuel price shocks, inflation and energy security.
1. Economic case for action
COP31 leaders are pitching climate action as a way to bolster economies and reduce the cost of living, as governments face crises that have pushed global warming down their list of priorities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said three-quarters of humanity live in countries that import fossil fuels and are exposed to price shocks.
2. Energy security and costs
Guterres said recent conflicts showed fossil-fuel dependence could cause chronic insecurity and a cost-of-living crisis, and called for a shift to renewable energy. UN climate chief Simon Stiell said energy-market chaos and climate disasters were increasing inflation, government budget pressures and household bills.
3. A broader climate message
Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said climate advocates should emphasize security, health, jobs, community stability and food supply. European energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said reducing fossil-fuel dependence could appeal even to people who do not believe in climate change, for security reasons.
