Antalya:Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on developed countries to take more responsibility in reducing emissions and improving climate finance. Speaking at the opening of the COP31 Leaders' Summit in Antalya, Erdogan emphasized the need for funding to become more accessible and responsive to global needs.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Erdogan highlighted the historical consumption of the global carbon budget by developed nations, urging them to lead in emissions reductions and climate financing. He addressed various environmental challenges, including global warming, biodiversity loss, and climate-related disasters, underscoring the urgency of meeting the Paris Agreement targets.

Erdogan expressed the aim of making COP31 an 'implementation COP,' focusing on accessibility to financing, technology, and capacity-building for least developed countries and small island developing states. He reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2053, integrating environmental considerations into development planning.

Turkey's Zero Waste initiative has seen recycling rates increase, and Erdogan announced goals to boost electricity consumption, reduce waste generation growth, and expand circular materials use. The President also condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, labeling them as both genocide and ecocide, and called for immediate humanitarian aid to the region.

Erdogan welcomed foreign leaders to the summit, expressing hope that COP31 would benefit all nations. He acknowledged support from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other international partners, highlighting Turkey's efforts to minimize the summit's environmental impact while showcasing Anatolia's heritage.