All eyes on implementation at COP31

The countdown has begun for COP31, one of the most important meetings of world climate diplomacy.

At the summit to be held in Antalya, hosted by Türkiye, countries will discuss their common policies and commitments against the climate crisis.

COP stands for Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The meetings, which were first held in Berlin in 1995, witnessed important decisions such as the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. It is among the basic expectations that the targets announced at COP31 will be put into practice.

ACTION AGENDA

Prior to COP31, the priorities of the summit were shared at the meeting organized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change with national and international media representatives. At the meeting that we watched as Cumhuriyet, Minister Murat Kurum made evaluations regarding COP31 preparations and answered journalists' questions. One of the prominent messages was that the summit in Antalya should focus on translating existing commitments into practice, beyond new targets.

The shared action agenda included ten priority topics: Zero Waste, Clean Energy Transformation, Food Security, Climate Implementation Bridge, Oceans and Seas, Climate Resilient Cities, Youth and Education, Dynamic and Resilient Health Systems, Rio Synergy and Green Industry. Targets for 2035 include increasing the share of electricity in final energy consumption to 35 percent, halving waste increase, reducing energy use in buildings by 25 percent and increasing the use of circular materials by 15 percent.

FROM GOALS TO APPLICATION

This broad agenda announced before COP31 brings with it important questions. With what timetable, with what financial sources and under the responsibility of which institutions will the targets be implemented? How will progress be measured, results transparently shared with the public, and decision-makers held accountable?

In particular, the issue of exiting fossil fuels is at the center of the discussions before the summit. The fact that Türkiye has not yet announced a timetable for phasing out coal is among the criticisms of climate organizations. Creating concrete road maps that will reduce dependence on coal, oil and natural gas is as important as increasing clean energy investments.

Another critical issue is climate finance. Developing countries and communities most affected by the climate crisis need to have equitable access to the resources they need. Supporting adaptation investments, strengthening loss and damage mechanisms, and ensuring that financing does not remain only at the commitment level will be decisive for the success of the summit.

A just transition is an integral part of this process. Considering the needs of working people, low-income groups, women, children, youth and other disadvantaged groups while moving away from fossil fuels; It is important for local governments and civil society to participate in decision-making processes. An approach is needed in which the cost of transformation does not fall on the most vulnerable.

We hope that COP31, hosted by Türkiye, will be a meeting where not only new promises are made on behalf of our country and our planet, but also paves the way for financed, measurable and accountable practices. Because the real reward of the climate struggle will be seen in the change it will create in nature and people's lives, beyond the goals announced in the summit halls.

BLUE AND GREEN ZONE

At COP31, the Blue Zone will be the official negotiation area under the management of the United Nations. Country delegations, accredited observers and members of the press will be able to enter this area with UNFCCC accreditation.

The Green Zone will bring visitors together with the climate agenda through exhibitions, panels and events. Those who want to participate must fill out the visitor registration form on the official website of COP31. It is recommended to check the entry conditions and event program in advance.