Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the opening of the COP31 leaders’ summit in Antalya on November 11. He said Turkey was restructuring all sectors of its economy to support decarbonisation, increasing investment in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and promoting clean transport solutions.
According to Erdoğan, renewable sources account for more than 60% of Turkey’s installed electricity capacity. He said the country was continuing its green development in line with the “2053 Net Sıfır Emisyon” goal.
Erdoğan called COP31 the first conference of its level hosted by Turkey and said its programme was designed to reflect Anatolia’s richness. He said the conference should be a COP of practical action and set an example for future events. Priorities include the transition to clean energy, waste reduction, food security, industry, climate-resilient cities and ocean protection.
The national waste recycling rate rose from about 13% in 2017 to nearly 40% by the end of 2025, Erdoğan said, adding that 90 million tonnes of waste had been returned to the economy. Over the next 10 years, Turkey plans to increase electricity’s share in consumption by 50%, halve the growth in waste volumes and expand the use of circular materials in industry. The Climate Law, which has entered into force, strengthened the legal and institutional basis for the transition.
Turkey wants to make climate finance more accessible and take into account the needs of least developed countries and small island states. Erdoğan said developed countries should take greater responsibility for emissions reductions and funding. He also announced the launch of the BRIDGE initiative to connect local needs with specific investments and said drawing attention to the needs of Pacific countries was a priority.
On Gaza, Erdoğan said Israeli actions had caused not only a humanitarian crisis but also an environmental one. He called for the immediate entry of humanitarian aid and an end to the policy of isolation.
