TURKEY - Adaptation, mitigation and climate finance remain South Africa’s top priorities for COP31.
But the country is already bracing for a more devastating El Niño; this is according to Chief SA negotiator Maesela Kekana.
"The oceans have warmed up to three degrees and now we are faced with a supercharged El Nino which is bringing flooding, we are likely to get fires and the heatwaves that you have seen. Then that says adaptation is critical,” he said.
Climate finance remains a thorny issue for developing nations.
'"We need to see enhanced funding or increased finance in order for adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage then you will see action especially for a country like South Africa which has a pipeline of projects. We need the developed countries to follow through with their commitments and obligations which is funding."
There's a warning to Gauteng residents in particular and South Africa in general regarding El Niño's effects.
KwaZulu-Natal is prone to natural disasters and environmental authorities warn that the worst is yet to come.
Those attending COP31 hope this year’s summit won’t be another talk shop and that commitments and action will be achieved.
eNCA's Siphamandla Goge reports from Antalya, Turkey.