Pirc Musar made a written assessment to the AA correspondent within the scope of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) hosted by Türkiye in Antalya.
Stating that Slovenia is determined to achieve the 2030 emission target together with other European Union (EU) member states and become climate neutral by 2050, Pirc Musar said, "I hope that we can set an example for other countries and regions by fulfilling our commitments." he said.
Pirc Musar pointed out that every policy designed, every solution proposed should put people first and said, "I believe that education, information sharing and mutual sharing of good practices on adaptation to climate change should be the most important priorities in Slovenia." made his assessment.
Stating that they are experiencing the effects of climate change severely in his country, Pirc Musar said:
"The catastrophic floods in August 2023 caused billions of euros in damage due to our lack of preparation for a disaster of this magnitude. That is why Slovenia has implemented a special project called 'Life4Adapt'. The main aim of this project is to better prepare the Slovenian people for floods, droughts, heat waves and other climate risks, so that we never experience a tragedy like in 2023 again. I hope this project will yield meaningful results. "I cannot bear the thought of my country going through such a terrible experience again."
"Denying or downplaying environmental problems is a step backwards."
Emphasizing that his country has experienced one of the hottest summers on record this year, Pirc Musar said, "According to predictions, the situation may be even worse next year. If these predictions are correct and extreme temperatures like what we experienced this year continue, the loss that the EU economy will suffer in 2026-2030 will reach incredible levels; approximately 700 billion euros."
Underlining that this figure is valid only for the EU, Pirc Musar said, "Denying or underestimating environmental problems is a step backwards. Environmental diplomacy should ensure that scientific evidence is taken into account consistently and policies that prioritize environmental protection are implemented." made his assessment.
Pirc Musar stated that Slovenia has gained concrete experience and achieved concrete results in this field with its active participation in climate, water and bee diplomacy, and said, "We must continue to support these efforts. In addition, we must insist on effective and inclusive multilateralism, the central role of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, respect for human rights and gender equality, and the inclusion of civil society and vulnerable groups in the process." he said.
Stating that the close connection between climate action and the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, the importance of scientific honesty and the importance of combating climate-related misinformation should be acknowledged, Pirc Musar said, "What I really want to see is more empathy from everyone gathered here, as well as from countries that did not participate in the COP." he said.
"We must rethink our traditional economic approach"
Pirc Musar pointed out that there is still a lack of decisive, consensual and inclusive global action to prevent the already rapidly increasing costs of climate change and said:
"Slovenia is doing its part by speaking out on environmental issues. Our country is one of the most densely forested and richest in water resources in the world. However, due to its geographical features and location, it is warming faster than the global average. These factors rightfully place us among the key stakeholders in international discussions on environmental issues."
Underlining that an effective environmental policy is costly and difficult to implement in the short term, Pirc Musar said, "This explains much of the environmental skepticism and energy populism we see. However, delaying action and increasing damages caused by climate change, overuse of fossil fuels and other environmental damage such as plastic and electronic waste, and countless sources of pollution, will cost us much more." he commented.
Pirc Musar emphasized that it should be accepted that the cost of not taking action is much higher than the cost of taking action and said, "If we are serious about combating climate change, we must rethink our traditional economic approach, which centers on economic growth and profit. Therefore, climate investment is different in terms of investments. This is an investment made for survival." made his assessment.
Pointing out that the public sector, and especially the private sector, should start investing in climate policy without expecting immediate returns, Pirc Musar continued as follows:
"This investment can pay off in the long term and enable future generations to live in a healthier environment than we have today. It is also important to note that the EU and its member states are already providing more than their fair share of climate finance for developing countries. Figures for 2025 have recently been published, showing that the EU and its member states have provided more than €32 billion in climate finance, representing a 2 percent increase on the previous year. But what is important now is especially "To improve and increase access to finance from all sources for least developed countries and small island developing countries."
“I want us to show that climate action is an opportunity for a better future.”
Pirc Musar said, "Success for me means leaving this summit with more than just promises. I want to see concrete commitments that will translate into concrete actions, such as accelerating the transition to clean energy, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and strengthening international cooperation. Above all, I want us to show that climate action is not only an imperative, but also an opportunity for greater energy security, economic prosperity and a better future for our people." he said.
Stating that a balanced result should be achieved in these three dimensions: mitigation, adaptation and implementation tools, Pirc Musar said:
"However, I would also like to point out that I think young people will feel the consequences of our actions, or lack of action, more than anyone else. They know that we come together here as leaders, and they also know that they will have to live with the consequences of the decisions we make here. Yes, we engage in dialogue with young people in various ways, including in Antalya, but dialogue alone is not enough. We must let their voices shape our decisions. We are obliged to protect our own rights and their fundamental rights to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The transformative steps that climate change requires. "If we don't, I'm afraid we can't expect future generations to show any more patience."
