What to read:
Each week we recommend a couple of articles not produced by us, that we believe is worth a read.
The bigger picture: Who is actually represented at COP31?
More than 90,000 people have registered to attend COP31 in Antalya, potentially making it the largest UN climate summit yet. But who has sent the biggest delegations – and what does that tell us about the balance of representation?
This excellent data analysis by Carbon Brief examines the provisional UN registration lists. Türkiye leads with 2,950 registered delegates, followed by Brazil, Nigeria, China and Indonesia. The UK, by comparison, has registered 255.
You can read the article here: Which countries have sent the most delegates to COP31? – Carbon Brief
The figures are provisional registrations, not the final attendance totals.
Beyond the summit: A Pacific push for climate finance
While much of the attention at COP31 is focused on the major negotiating powers, some of the most important climate questions are being raised by countries with far fewer resources.
One development worth watching is a new resilience initiative aimed at supporting 14 Pacific island economies. The programme is intended to mobilise more than $1bn, including support from the Green Climate Fund.
You can read the article here: Reuters’ report on the push for climate finance
Parenting, culture and discovery:
What happens to the pumpkin after Halloween?
Halloween may be behind us for another year, but the pumpkin season does not have to end when the decorations come down.
In her latest column in our Parenting in the Climate Crisis series, Bridget Shirvell explores how families can make more of their Halloween pumpkins, from reducing food waste to finding ways to use the flesh and seeds.
It is also a reminder that seasonal traditions can be an opportunity to connect children with food, nature and the resources that go into what we grow.
While we have passed the Halloween celebrations in 2026, this can be inspiration for next year’s pumpkin season – or simply a reason to look at the contents of the kitchen a little differently.
What to watch:
How to Live on Earth
For something to watch this weekend, we recommend How to Live on Earth, a documentary presented by world renowned a-list actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
It offers an opportunity to step back and think about our place in the natural world, and the relationship between people, the planet and the future we are shaping.
Below you can watch it for free on YouTube:
The weekend bookshelf:
The Climate Diplomat
If you’re lucky enough to be able to take a break this weekend, spear a thought for the sleep deprived negotiators, observers, delegates, press and diplomats still at COP31.
What better time to get stuck into The Climate Diplomat.
Looking ahead to Christmas: A greener gift guide
Christmas is beginning to appear on the horizon, and many of us are starting to think about gifts.
Rather than leaving all the seasonal shopping until December, now is a good time to explore some alternatives to the usual last-minute purchases.
Our 2025 Christmas Guide brings together ideas for more thoughtful and sustainable gift-giving. Whether you are looking for something practical, something long-lasting or simply a gift with a little more meaning behind it, there are plenty of ways to make Christmas a little greener.
Note: As this is last year’s guide, some products may be unavailable or discontinued.
Explore our 2025 Christmas Guide below:
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The AGLAGW weekly quiz
Last week’s answers: 1B, 2A, 3B, 4A and 5B.
How closely have you followed the week’s developments? Test yourself with five questions covering politics, energy and sustainability.
1. Which country has registered the largest national delegation at COP31?
2. What is the name of the world’s largest living land animal?
3. Which ocean is home to the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu?
4. Which renewable energy technology converts sunlight directly into electricity?
5. What is the name of the annual UN climate conference series, of which COP31 is the 31st meeting?
Send us your answers!
Think you know your stuff? Reply directly to this newsletter with your answers. We’ll reveal the correct answers, together with short explanations, in next week’s AGLAGW Weekend Edition.
Editor’s closing remarks
Next week is crunch time at COP31.
Will we make progress compared to COP30? Will we finally agree and deliver on climate finance? And who knows, could fossil fuels sneak into the final text agreed upon in Antalya next week?
We should know in the next edition of The Weekend Edition.
Thank you for reading, and have a great weekend.
The A greener life, a greener world team
