Ali Koç spoke to NTV at COP31. "Climate sensitivity is no longer a choice but an obligation"

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change started in Antalya, hosted by Türkiye.

At COP31, which will last for 12 days, climate diplomacy is discussed in the Blue Area, while companies talk about their work on climate problems in the Green Area.

Combating climate change and energy transformation are among the prominent topics at the summit, which is closely followed by the business world.

Koç Holding Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ali Koç, was the guest of Deniz Tüysüz from NTV team. Koç made evaluations on many issues, from climate change to energy independence.

"COP31 IS ACTUALLY THE MOST IMPORTANT OF CLIMATE SUMMITS, IT'S LIKE THE DAVOS OF THIS BUSINESS"

Ali Koç stated that they contributed to COP31 both in terms of sponsorship and content and continued as follows:

"The content side is more important to us. Koç Group has spent a lot of time and invested in sustainable economy on climate issues for years. There are many stories we can tell about what we have done regarding the environment. While representing Türkiye, in this aspect of the business, it is not only financial contribution but also content contribution in terms of being able to explain what Turkish companies are doing. COP31 is actually the most important of the climate summits, like the Davos of this business. I hope we will experience a unique COP process. In such summits, there are discourses and promises, but how much they are implemented is not followed. The feature of this COP is that things come to life." "There is no need to make new promises anymore."

“THE MOST PRIORITY ISSUE IS ELECTRIFICATION”

Stating that the top priority is electrification, Koç said, "We are currently at 23 percent of the energy used, marketing electrification to 35 percent by 2035. It is a target that can be achieved with today's technology. If achieved, the annual total cost savings of energy-dependent countries like us are said to be 400 billion dollars. In the past, renewable energy was also very expensive. Now, renewable energy has become the cheapest source of electricity." he said.

“CLIMATE SENSITIVITY IS NO LONGER A PREFERENCE, IT IS AN OBLIGATION”

Stating that climate sensitivity used to be a choice and now it has become an obligation, Ali Koç said, "As a country, we need to achieve this transformation. There are many disasters that we have never seen before. Geopolitical crises, with Russia and the Strait of Hormuz in five years, have suddenly brought the energy supply, energy security, and more importantly, energy prices to extraordinary levels. Climate sensitivity is no longer a luxury or choice, but an obligation, which is a good thing for the future." he said.

"ENERGY INDEPENDENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY"

Stating that the free trade era is now over, Koç said: “Countries are investing in their own economies and industries. The main elements here are energy independence and durability. In the new formula, energy transformation actually means energy independence and competitiveness. “This is very important.” he said.