Antalya:Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addressed world leaders during the UN climate summit in southern Türkiye, emphasizing that global ecological preservation should not be sacrificed for geopolitical rivalries. He cautioned that escalating conflicts and inflation pose significant threats to international environmental efforts.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Lula highlighted that climate change discussions have vanished from the agendas of key global forums like the G7 and G20, which are significant for addressing greenhouse gas emissions. He criticized the global shift in focus towards armed conflicts and economic tariffs instead of prioritizing the survival of future generations.
Lula expressed concern over the declining momentum since COP30 in Belem, Brazil, where Indigenous peoples and forest defenders actively participated. He urged the joint leadership of Türkiye and Australia at COP31 to incorporate the Belem roadmaps, which include mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually for climate financing, transitioning from fossil fuels, and halting deforestation, into the upcoming Global Stocktake.
The Brazilian president also announced that the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) is close to reaching the necessary capital to begin operations, with support from numerous nations. He called for more partners to join in this effort. Lula endorsed initiatives like expanding electrification and the "35-by-35" pledge to increase electricity's share to 35% of energy consumption by 2035 while reducing waste.
Highlighting Brazil's achievements, Lula noted the country's economic growth alongside a 42% reduction in emissions since 2005 and a 71% drop in Amazon deforestation from 2022 to 2026. He also condemned the ideological attacks on multilateral diplomacy and climate science, particularly against the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Stressing the importance of the UN climate framework, Lula emphasized the equal participation of member states, free from the constraints seen in other international bodies. He called the environmental crisis a crisis of injustice linked to global inequalities and urged industrialized nations to meet their financial commitments. Lula highlighted the upcoming COP32 in Africa as a crucial opportunity for providing resources and debt relief.
Finally, Lula praised Türkiye's role in hosting COP31 in Antalya, commending Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the country's ability to bridge global divisions.