The IAEE COP 2026 Symposium, organized by the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) and with Anadolu Agency as the Global Communication Partner, continues at a hotel in Belek Tourism Center.
The symposium, which was held with the theme "The impact of turbulent times on energy economy and climate change", brought together more than 100 participants from 36 countries.
Kumbaroğlu, who attended the event, told the AA correspondent that they evaluated the effects of geopolitical developments on energy conversion and climate equation in the sessions within the scope of the symposium.
Explaining that energy and environmental issues are discussed by experts, Kumbaroğlu noted that important developments have been made in the world in energy transformation and that each country determines its own policies.
Stating that they operate internationally as an association, Kumbaroğlu stated that they have created a platform where research, technology, experience and policies regarding the efficient, rational, clean, cheap and reliable production, transmission, distribution and consumption of energy can be discussed.
Pointing out that carbon emissions increase with energy consumption, Kumbaroğlu said that steps have been taken to reduce carbon emissions in recent years.
Stating that he conducted research on Türkiye and China, Kumbaroğlu stated that carbon intensity started to decrease in Türkiye and China.
Pointing out that very important studies have been carried out in Türkiye in recent years to reduce carbon emissions, Kumbaroğlu said:
"We compared Norway, Germany, China and Türkiye. In the last 10-15 years, carbon intensity has been decreasing rapidly in Türkiye. There is a serious reduction. We see this as a reflection of the clean energy policies taken by Türkiye. It is similar in China, but it is not decreasing as rapidly in Germany and Norway as in China and Türkiye. The rapid spread of renewable energy technologies and the targets set in this field have been very effective."
Kumbaroğlu stated that Türkiye continues to invest in reducing carbon emissions and that these efforts will take Türkiye to a better point.
Stating that Türkiye has fulfilled its responsibility, Kumbaroğlu said, "Nuclear energy is on the agenda, the carbon market has started now, we will see the effects of these. Therefore, Türkiye is essentially one of the leading countries in its region in carbon reduction." he said.
Emphasizing that it is extremely important to hold the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the most important organization in the world in the fight against climate change, in Türkiye, Kumbaroğlu said, "By organizing COP31, we are sending an important message to the world, we are leading this process." he said.
"COP31 is a good opportunity to show Türkiye's energy transformation"
IAEE Executive Vice President Prof. Dr. Edmar Luiz Fagundes de Almeida said that they came together to analyze solutions to the climate crisis the world is experiencing.
Stating that they will discuss energy economics in a wide range of areas at the symposium, Almeida said, "We think that analyzes on energy finance, energy innovation and energy economy can make a very important contribution to guiding government policies regarding energy transformation, as well as company strategies on how to implement businesses in the decarbonization process." he said.
Stating that all countries hosting COP conferences are important leading players in determining visions for the future, Almeida said, "I think Türkiye has a good opportunity and an important responsibility to show the world how it sees the future of energy transformation." made his assessment.
