What are the recent developments in global climate change agreements this year?

As of October 15, 2026, the main development is the run-up to COP31, the next UN climate summit. It is scheduled for November 9–20 in Antalya, Türkiye, so the summit’s final decisions have not yet been made.

Türkiye is set to host COP31, with Australia taking a leading role in steering the negotiations under an arrangement agreed by the two countries. The talks are expected to put pressure on governments to turn existing promises into practical action, while giving particular attention to the concerns of vulnerable countries and Pacific nations.

What countries are working on

The negotiations build on the Paris Agreement rather than replacing it. Countries are now focused on putting their newer emissions targets into effect, including 2035 national climate plans, and on how to fund climate action in lower-income countries. Adaptation, loss and damage support, and the transition away from fossil fuels are also central points of debate.

For now, it is more accurate to describe 2026 as a year of negotiation and implementation than as a year with a new global climate deal already concluded. COP31 will show whether governments can reach additional agreements on these issues.