Participants attending the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, experienced significant logistical challenges on the opening day, with lengthy accreditation queues and overcrowded shuttle buses causing widespread frustration.
Several delegates, observers and other attendees reportedly spent hours waiting to collect their accreditation badges, with some saying the process took more than five hours before they could gain access to the conference venue.
The delays created large crowds around the entrance as participants struggled to complete the registration process. Some attendees were also seen expressing anger and engaging in arguments while waiting, amid complaints about poor coordination.
Transportation arrangements also became a major source of concern, as participants complained about congested roads and shuttle buses carrying more passengers than their capacity could comfortably accommodate.
Leen Jones, an observer from Jordan, said she was exhausted after spending several hours waiting despite arriving early at the venue. She described the experience as frustrating and expressed disappointment over the delays.
Similarly, Corazon Kisilu, a climate change specialist with the Global Strategic Communications Council, criticised the transportation arrangements, describing the shuttle bus experience as uncomfortable because of the large number of passengers.
She also highlighted traffic congestion along the routes leading to the conference centre, saying the difficulties had made the opening day particularly challenging.
Kisilu noted that the experience was different from previous climate conferences she had attended and expressed hope that organisers would address the problems in subsequent days.
COP31 commenced on November 9 and is scheduled to run until November 20, bringing together government officials, climate negotiators, scientists, business representatives and civil society organisations from different parts of the world.
The summit is expected to focus on practical measures to tackle climate change, with discussions covering climate financing, environmental protection, energy transition, food security, agriculture, transportation and infrastructure development.
The conference also provides developing countries with an opportunity to seek increased financial and technical assistance to address the growing effects of climate change.
