COP31 president Murat Kurum says it is time to move from words to deeds as nearly 200 nations gather in Antalya for the UN climate summit. The talks, set against a backdrop of extreme weather, an energy crisis sparked by the Middle East war, and soaring fossil‑fuel costs, aim to deliver tangible results after a decade of slow progress since the Paris accord.
Kurum highlights the new "35 by 35" electrification target, which would raise electricity’s share of global final energy demand from about 20 % today to 35 % by 2035, calling it essential for achieving net‑zero by 2050. He argues that renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels, making clean power the logical choice, and stresses that energy independence is vital for countries ranging from the UK to Turkey and Africa.
Under a compromise, Turkey hosts the summit and leads the action agenda, partnering with Australia on non‑negotiated initiatives that bring together businesses and cities to drive climate‑resilient projects, zero‑waste programs and electrification. While the EU and others push for clean power at the core of any target, Kurum downplays concerns that the plan could boost fossil‑fuel use, emphasizing cost advantages and the strategic need to reduce reliance on imported fuels.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing