Istanbul: As host and president of COP31, Trkiye has pledged to pursue a climate agenda that does not exclude energy security, protects the right to development, supports a just transition, and focuses on concrete implementation. Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, who will serve as COP31 president, met International Energy Agency Executive (IEA) Director Fatih Birol in Istanbul to discuss cooperation between the COP31 presidency and the agency on energy transition and the circular economy.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kurum held a press conference after the meeting, outlining the COP31 presidency process and the discussions with the IEA. Kurum emphasized that Trkiye aims to transform COP31 from a platform for discussing new commitments into a process where promises turn into action, trust is strengthened, and tangible progress is achieved. He noted the dependency of Trkiye's industrial sector on fossil fuels and highlighted the importance of aligning Turkish industry with long-term net-zero goals. Kurum stated that Trkiye will approach COP31 with a structural transformation roadmap.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and has held annual meetings since 1995. The 31st session will take place in Trkiye in November, primarily in Antalya, with the World Leaders Summit expected in Istanbul, under a partnership arrangement with Australia. Under this arrangement, Trkiye will oversee hosting and coordination, while Australia will lead negotiations. Nearly 200 countries are expected to attend the conference to discuss emission reduction targets, climate finance, adaptation measures, and carbon market rules under the Paris Agreement.
Kurum highlighted that around 70% of global emissions are energy-related, and the world now stands at a critical point where energy and climate policies intersect. Recent geopolitical developments and conflicts have exposed the fragility of energy supply chains, raising the strategic importance of energy security. Birol expressed full readiness for cooperation with the COP31 presidency, Kurum added. The minister also warned that the climate crisis has reached a critical threshold, citing rising forest fires, drought, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
He noted that the annual global cost of drought stands at about $307 billion, while nearly 4 billion people experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year. Environmental trends show significant deforestation and wetland loss, with around 3.7 million square kilometers of forest lost to wildfires between 2024 and 2025, and 35% of the world's wetlands disappearing since 1970. On energy demand, Kurum mentioned that global consumption increased by 2.2% in 2023, and electricity demand could rise significantly by 2035 under current policies.
Kurum stated the COP31 presidency's approach rests on three core principles: dialogue, consensus, and action. Dialogue will build an inclusive platform, consensus will foster shared responsibility, and action will ensure decisions translate into credible implementation. Trkiye is working closely with Brazilian and Azerbaijani presidencies and Australian partners on developments from COP30 and preparations for COP31. The aim is to maintain political momentum toward the 1.5°C global warming target while accelerating implementation.
Kurum outlined five priorities for the COP31 action agenda: clean energy transition, zero waste and methane reduction, climate-resilient cities, establishing a climate action implementation mechanism, and green industrialization. Trkiye plans to deepen cooperation with the IEA in areas including renewable energy and digitalization and has built more than 500,000 climate-resilient housing units following the 2023 earthquakes.
Regarding restrictions on non-recyclable plastics, Kurum announced that new regulations are being prepared to replace non-recyclable single-use plastic products with recyclable or biodegradable alternatives. Trkiye currently recycles about 40% of its waste and aims to increase this rate further. The COP31 presidency aims to expand the zero waste concept across various areas, supported by the Zero Waste Foundation and Emine Erdogan, with March 31 recognized as International Zero Waste Day by the UN.