COP31 Leaders Warn That High Fuel Prices Raise Costs

What is the main concern at these talks?

Many people are worried about slow progress. The world is still using much oil, coal and gas.

Who spoke at the opening meeting?

Simon Stiell spoke on Monday. He is the UN climate chief.

What was his message?

He warned about high fossil fuel prices. He said they spread inflation around the world.

What does inflation mean for ordinary people?

It means prices rise. Stiell said vulnerable communities are paying the price.

What change did he support?

He supported renewable energy. He also supported more electrification. This means using electricity instead of fossil fuels.

Who is leading the talks?

Turkey is hosting the meeting. Australia is leading the negotiations.

Are many world leaders expected there?

Turkey expects 100,000 visitors during the two weeks. This includes national groups and leaders. At least 95 heads of state may attend.

Why is this meeting under pressure?

Global heating is getting worse. Climate scientists said it will reach at least 1.8 degrees Celsius.

That is above an important global goal, right?

Yes. Countries aimed for 1.5 degrees Celsius in 2015. The new figure is above that goal.

What happens next at COP31?

Leaders will meet on Wednesday and Thursday. They face calls to cut emissions faster. They also face calls to help vulnerable countries.

Thank you, Liam.

Next, President Trump has questioned US election results.

Mia is LinguaWire's correspondent for politics.

Hello, Daniel. Donald Trump made the comments on Monday.

What did he say?

He questioned if the midterm election was honest. He wrote on Truth Social.

Did he give evidence for his claims?

No, he gave no specific evidence. He made vague claims about polls, votes and machines.

What was the result of the election?

Democrats won back both parts of Congress. These are the Senate and the House of Representatives.

So Democrats now control both parts?

Yes. They have won 54 Senate seats. They have also won 254 House seats.

What did election officials say about voting?

State and local officials said voting was mostly problem-free. An election expert also said vote reports followed normal patterns.

Are all election races finished?

No. Some races are still being counted. Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi have not been called.

Does a slower count mean there is a problem?

No. Some states need more time. Election workers must count every vote.

Had President Trump said something different before?

Yes. On election night, he said he was willing to accept the results. His later post appeared different.

What happens now?

Election workers will finish the remaining counts. The overall result has been clear since election night.

Thank you, Mia.

Part one: vocabulary.

Renewable.

Renewable means able to be replaced naturally; in the story, “He supported renewable energy.”

Wind power is renewable.

Emission.

An emission is gas sent into the air; in the story, “They face calls to cut emissions faster.”

Cars produce emissions.

Vulnerable.

Vulnerable means needing help or protection; in the story, “Stiell said vulnerable communities are paying the price.”

Children are vulnerable in a storm.

Part two: the grammar.

Past simple of speak: “Simon Stiell spoke on Monday.”

We use “spoke” for a completed action in the past. “Spoke” is the past simple of “speak.”

Listen again: “Simon Stiell spoke on Monday.”

My teacher spoke to the class yesterday.

Repeat after me: Simon Stiell spoke on Monday.