UN
The two-day COP31 Leaders’ Summit ended in Antalya on 12 November. Heads of state and government delivered national statements under the theme “Towards a Sustainable, Resilient and Equitable Future”. Electrification, climate finance and the shift away from fossil fuels dominated the summit.
On the opening day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan restated Türkiye’s aim to make COP31 an “Implementation COP”. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose country shares the COP31 presidency, called for greater solidarity with Pacific small island states on the front line of sea-level rise. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that climate action has slipped down the international agenda.
The presidency’s flagship initiative, the “35 by 35” Global Electrification Pledge, was at the centre of the talks. It aims to raise electricity’s share of global energy use from about 23 percent today to 35 percent by 2035. At least 14 countries publicly backed it during the summit, including Germany, South Korea, Pakistan, Norway, Finland, Ethiopia, Australia and several small island states. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported the pledge in her personal capacity, and the EU is expected to join once member states give formal approval. The full list of signatories is due next week.
Support came with caveats. Palau warned that electrification must not become a substitute for transitioning away from fossil fuels. The Marshall Islands called the target insufficient unless it is linked to renewable energy. Saudi Arabia’s energy minister argued that more electrification does not necessarily cut emissions if the power sources are not considered. Zimbabwe and the Solomon Islands stressed that developing countries need better access to finance.
On the second day, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the only G7 leader at the summit, said the consensus on climate science had gone and that the world will now reach 1.5°C. He reaffirmed Britain’s 2050 net-zero target, announced that the UK would sign the electrification pledge, and backed the Amplify programme, which aims to mobilise £5 billion in private finance for clean energy worldwide.
On 13 November, the presidencies published a summary of the proposed cover decision. It covers the electrification pledge, stronger early warning systems and tripling adaptation finance by 2035. Negotiations continue in Antalya until 20 November.
