Türkiye to lead COP31 climate transformation in Antalya, Minister Kurum says

Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum said Türkiye will lead a major transformation at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, scheduled for 9-20 November. Speaking in Istanbul to editors-in-chief of media organisations, he said the world is passing through a fragile period marked by conflicts, economic crises and housing shortages.

Kurum said Türkiye would host the conference under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's leadership and share its lessons from the climate crisis. The official UN negotiations will take place in the 527,000-square-metre Blue Zone, while the 582,000-square-metre Green Zone will host events for universities, entrepreneurs, young people and civil society. So far, 85 governments and heads of state have confirmed attendance, and about 3,000 journalists have been accredited.

He pointed to Türkiye's Paris Agreement membership, its «2053 net zero emissions» target and its Climate Law. For 2035, he said the goals include raising electrification to 35% of global final energy consumption and halving the growth rate of global waste.