Climate test at COP31

The world is preparing for one of the most important meetings of climate diplomacy. The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in Antalya on 9–20 November.

State representatives, negotiators, scientists, non-governmental organizations and the business world will come together to discuss common solutions to the climate crisis. However, the main question this year is to what extent the promises can be implemented rather than new promises.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to keep the global temperature increase well below two degrees compared to the pre-industrial period, and limit it to 1.5 degrees if possible.

Despite the passage of more than 10 years, existing policies and emission reduction commitments of countries are insufficient to ensure the necessary transformation. Extreme temperatures, floods, drought and ecosystem losses show that the climate crisis is not a threat to the future, but a reality that changes today's living conditions.

FROM PROMISES TO APPLICATION

The prominent approach of COP31 is to accelerate the implementation of climate commitments. Moving away from fossil fuels, transition to renewable energy, adaptation to climate change, financing and just transition are among the determining topics of the negotiations.

Climate finance, in particular, is one of the main disagreements between developed and developing countries. Although their historical contribution to the climate crisis is limited, countries that are heavily affected by its consequences are demanding stronger support for adaptation and loss-damage mechanisms. The availability of financing, its availability as a grant rather than a loan, and its delivery to people and communities in need are also discussed, as is its amount. Another critical issue is the social cost of energy transition. The impacts of decarbonization on workers, local communities and vulnerable populations are at the center of just transition discussions.

SEEKING COMPROMISE

The discussions are not limited to host countries. The failure to agree on a common road map to move away from fossil fuels at the COP30 held in Belém, Brazil last year, increases the doubts before Antalya. The influence of fossil fuel companies in the negotiations, the participation opportunities of civil society and whether the communities most affected by the climate crisis are adequately represented are also questioned. International human rights organizations particularly emphasize the transparency of decision-making processes and freedom of participation.

So, despite their economic interests and political differences, will countries be able to agree on the transformation required by the climate crisis? Will the promises of new financing really come true? Antalya's success will be measured by the answers to these questions.

BLUE AND GREEN

COP31 will be held in two main areas. The Blue Zone, managed by the United Nations, will host official negotiations, country pavilions and side events that are only accessible to accredited participants. The Green Zone, coordinated by Türkiye, will be open to registered visitors; It will make the social dimension of climate solutions visible by bringing together civil society, academia, business world, young people and artists.

I will be in the Blue Zone on behalf of the Republic and follow the negotiations, the attitudes of the countries and the decision-making processes. COP31 starts tomorrow. The real test in Antalya will be that the promises made will come out of the summit halls and find a response in life and pave the way for a more fair, durable and livable future.

Türkiye'S RESPONSIBILITY

COP31, where Türkiye chairs the conference and Australia chairs the negotiations, is organized with an unusual cooperation model. However, this partnership also brings criticism about the fossil fuel policies of the two countries.

Although Türkiye has a 2053 net zero emission target, it does not have a announced timetable for phasing out coal. While renewable energy investments are increasing, the continued dependence on fossil fuels calls into question the harmony between targets and practices. The fact that Australia is one of the largest coal and natural gas exporters also brings similar discussions to the agenda.

In June, 94 non-governmental organizations from Türkiye and Australia called on the COP31 management to place the transition away from fossil fuels at the center of the summit. The two countries are expected to demonstrate this transformation in their energy policies.