ANKARA: Trkiye on Tuesday announced its candidacy to host the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanking the countries who supported the bid. Addressing COP29, Erdogan highlighted Trkiye's efforts in transforming its key sectors to align with its vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2053 and fostering green growth. According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan stated that Trkiye has implemented the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy Action Plans for 2024-2030. He noted that the share of renewable energy in the country's total installed capacity has increased to 59%, ranking it 5th in Europe and 11th globally. The president emphasized that renewable energy, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy are the key priorities for achieving the 2053 net zero emissions target. He announced plans to increase the installed capacity of wind and solar energy from 31,000 megawatts to 120,000 megawatts by 2035. In the realm of nuclear energy, Erdogan mentioned an aim to reach a capacity of 20,000 megawatts by 2050. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for 2024-2030 anticipates a reduction of 100 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Additionally, Trkiye continues to promote its national electric car, Togg. Erdogan also highlighted the Zero Waste Project, which has prevented 5.9 million tons of greenhouse gases since its inception, strengthening the country's fight against climate change. Every year, millions of saplings are planted on November 11 to mark National Afforestation Day, reflecting Trkiye's commitment to environmental sustainability. Erdogan acknowledged the high economic cost of these initiatives but expressed hope that the summit would establish a climate financing target to address the needs of developing countries. Switching focus, Erdogan addressed the severe humanitarian and environmental consequences of Israel's attacks on Gaza. He called for accountability in international courts for those responsible for the disaster in Gaza. He des cribed Israel's ongoing actions as 'unlawful, immoral, and unconscionable,' citing massive environmental destruction in Palestine and Lebanon. The chemicals leaking into the soil and underground waters due to Israeli attacks, he said, have severely impacted the future of Gazan children.