Khan Presses for Urgent Climate Action at COP31
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has used the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye, to call for accelerated global action on the climate emergency, warning that "delay is not an option." Speaking at the World Leaders Summit on Wednesday, Khan highlighted the increasing severity of climate impacts, citing extreme heat in London as a stark reminder of the urgency. He pledged that all C40 Cities member cities—representing nearly 1 billion people—will have early warning systems in place by the end of 2027.
Khan, co-chair of C40 Cities, also met Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the sidelines, describing his reelection as "a huge win for progressive politics around the world." He accepted the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award for London's efforts to deliver affordable homes, reflecting on his own upbringing in social housing.
Istanbul Visit Highlights Cultural Ties
On Saturday, Khan continued his official engagements with a visit to Istanbul, where he toured the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, prayed at the Sultanahmet Mosque, and walked through the Grand Bazaar. Accompanied by Turkish Culture and Tourism Deputy Minister Dr. Coşkun Yılmaz, Khan emphasized the deep cultural bonds between London and Istanbul. Yılmaz presented Khan with a handwritten Quran, and Khan described attending Friday prayers at the mosque as a privilege.
Climate as an Electoral Asset
In an interview with Anadolu Agency at COP31, Khan argued that pro-climate policies can be politically advantageous. He pointed to his three consecutive mayoral election victories as evidence that voters support environmental measures when they are well communicated and deliver tangible benefits. "If you explain your climate change policies in a good way, it's popular," he said.
Khan cited cleaner transport, expanded cycling infrastructure, electric buses and taxis, and pedestrianisation as examples of policies that have made London greener, safer, and more prosperous. He noted that air pollution, once projected to take 200 years to bring within legal limits, has seen significant progress under his administration.
Cities Lead as National Governments Lag
Khan stressed that cities are increasingly taking action on climate change despite frustration with national governments. He warned that extreme weather—including heatwaves reaching 40°C and school closures—is already disrupting daily life in London and driving up economic and public health costs. He described COP31 as a vital platform for addressing these challenges.
Labour Pressure on EV Targets
Khan's climate advocacy extends to domestic policy. On Thursday, he joined other Labour figures in urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to water down electric vehicle targets. The intervention came as the government faces pressure from industry to relax rules aimed at phasing out petrol and diesel cars. Khan's stance underscores his commitment to green policies and his willingness to challenge his own party leadership.
Broader Implications
Khan's dual message—that climate action is both electorally popular and economically necessary—positions him as a leading voice in the global urban climate movement. His international engagements in Türkiye, including discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan about urban development, signal a desire to deepen cooperation between London and Istanbul, two sister cities facing similar challenges.
As COP31 continues through November 20, Khan's call for early warning systems and faster emissions cuts adds to the pressure on national governments to raise ambition. With his third term underway, Khan appears determined to use his platform to advocate for cities as key drivers of climate progress, arguing that local action can deliver results even when national politics stall.
In a year marked by extreme weather events globally, Khan's message resonates beyond London. His emphasis on practical solutions—from air quality alerts to electric transport—offers a template for mayors worldwide. Whether his push for stronger EV targets in the UK succeeds remains to be seen, but his stance reinforces his reputation as one of Europe's most prominent climate-focused leaders.
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