At the COP31 World Leaders Summit on Wednesday, London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged for a faster global response to the climate emergency, cautioning that the consequences of climate change are growing increasingly destructive.
“We must go further and faster to tackle the climate emergency. The time for action is now – delay is not an option,” Khan said in posts on US social media company X.
Pointing to another year of severe climate-related effects, he said London's extreme heat shows how urgent the crisis has become.
Speaking at an event convened by the UN secretary-general, he said early warning systems are necessary to protect lives and noted London's efforts to improve heat and air quality alerts.
In his role as co-chair of C40 Cities—an international coalition of urban centers dedicated to combating climate change—Khan promised to guarantee that early warning mechanisms are installed across all member cities, which account for nearly 1 billion residents, by the conclusion of 2027.
Meetings in Antalya
Khan held a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during the summit, characterizing his reelection as “a huge win for progressive politics around the world, and a defeat for those who continue to deny the catastrophic impacts of climate change.”
Additionally, Khan received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, which acknowledged London’s achievements in constructing a record volume of affordable housing.
Reflecting on his personal experience growing up in social housing, he said: “As someone who grew up in a council home, I understand the difference good quality social housing can make.”
He further mentioned his commitment to advancing London’s progress to ensure that all residents have “a safe, secure and affordable place to call home.”
COP31 Schedule
COP31, hosted by Türkiye for the first time, opened in Antalya on Monday and will run through Nov. 20, bringing together 196 parties and the EU. The Leaders’ Summit, which is being held on Wednesday and Thursday under the stewardship of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, features more than 100 leaders from 95 nations spanning six continents and seven international bodies.