ZDF provides in-depth coverage of the World Climate Conference and the Mediterranean

Mainz – ZDF, 3sat and phoenix will provide extensive coverage of the 31st UN climate conference (COP31), taking place in Antalya, Turkey, from 9 to 20 November 2026. The reporting will also look at challenges and possible solutions in the Mediterranean region, particularly in 3sat’s three-part documentary series ‘Water Warriors’.

Turkey is hosting COP31, while Australia chairs the negotiations. The shared presidency is intended to bring different perspectives into the discussions. Pacific island countries are especially threatened by climate change. According to ZDF, implementation and financing of climate projects will be major topics this year.

Selected programmes about the climate conference

As of October 2026 – details according to ZDF communications; schedules may change.

The three-part NANO documentary series ‘Water Warriors’ will be available in the 3sat media library from Thursday 5 November 2026. It follows scientists, farmers and start-ups around the Mediterranean who are developing sustainable answers to the water crisis with innovative technology. The 3sat science magazine ‘NANO’ will report on the UN climate conference every weekday at 18:30 from Monday 9 November 2026. Presenter Gregor Steinbrenner will be on site to explain developments. A special edition of ‘NANO’ on Monday 9 November 2026 at 18:30 asks: ‘Is climate policy finally getting serious?’

ZDFheute and ‘Volle Kanne’ follow the conference

The ZDFheute online news service will cover the discussions in Antalya with fact checks and overview articles. An update to ZDFheute’s KlimaRadar, information on the new climate protection index and further questions and answers about the UN climate conference will supplement the coverage. ‘Volle Kanne – Service täglich’ will report continuously from 9 to 20 November 2026 with current features and live links to ZDF’s team on site.

Two ‘planet e.’ documentaries are also planned: ‘Three paths – shaping the climate future’ on Sunday 8 November 2026 at 15:30 on ZDF examines challenges in Germany, India and Ethiopia. ‘Climate – the world negotiates its future’ on Sunday 15 November 2026 at 15:30 on ZDF describes and analyses the talks. The ‘Long Night of the Climate Conference’ on Wednesday 18 November 2026 from 0:30 to 4:15 on ZDF brings together current documentaries and repeats other climate programmes.

As usual, phoenix will report on the negotiations at the climate conference and show the most important press conferences.