Expectations Rise as COP31 Approaches Under Türkiye’s Hosting

The Conference of the Parties (COP), organized under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is widely recognized as the most important global decision-making mechanism in climate governance. The first COP meeting was held in Berlin, Germany, in 1995, and since then it has become the primary international platform where countries shape common policies on greenhouse gas emission reductions, climate change adaptation, climate finance, and technology transfer.

Major milestones in the COP process include the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, and the acceleration of global net-zero transition policies in recent years. Particularly after the Paris Agreement, COP conferences evolved beyond environmental negotiations and increasingly became global economic summits influencing trade, finance, energy, industry, and geopolitical balances.

The last three COP meetings signaled the beginning of a new implementation-oriented phase in global climate policy. COP28, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, stood out with the completion of the first-ever Global Stocktake in history. The “UAE Consensus” adopted at the end of the summit was regarded as a historic decision because it included a call for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems. COP28 also supported the goals of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Nevertheless, the absence of binding provisions regarding fossil fuel production became one of the conference’s most criticized aspects.

The main agenda of COP29, hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, focused on climate finance. During the summit, parties reached an agreement on a new global climate finance target aimed at supporting developing countries in their low-carbon transition and adaptation investments. However, many developing nations and civil society organizations argued that the announced financing level remained far below actual needs. COP29 was also marked by intense discussions on carbon markets, green industrial policies, and energy security.

COP30, held in Belém in Brazil’s Amazon region, made the social and economic dimensions of the climate crisis more visible. Under the “Belém Package” adopted during the summit, adaptation finance, prevention of deforestation, just transition mechanisms, technology transfer, and social inclusiveness became key priorities. One of the most remarkable aspects of COP30 was the recognition of protecting the Amazon Basin as a strategic issue for global climate security. However, the summit also faced criticism due to the absence of a clear and binding timeline for phasing out fossil fuels.

The fact that COP31 will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in 2026 is considered one of the developments that will place Türkiye at the center of global climate diplomacy. It was officially announced that Türkiye will host and preside over COP31, while Australia will chair the negotiation process. For Türkiye, COP31 is expected to represent not only a diplomatic event but also a significant opportunity in terms of economic transformation, sustainable industry, green finance, and attracting international investment.

Considering the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the expansion of carbon markets, and sustainable supply chain requirements, hosting COP31 in Türkiye is regarded as a strategic milestone that could accelerate the transformation of the private sector. Experts suggest that the COP31 process may increase the international visibility of Türkiye’s renewable energy investments, energy efficiency policies, sustainable urbanization practices, and climate adaptation strategies. Furthermore, the conference is expected to strengthen Türkiye’s role in regional climate diplomacy.

For detailed information about COP31 Türkiye, you may visit the Climate Change Presidency website of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye: Climate Change Presidency Website