Türkiye bids to host COP31 in 2026: President Erdogan

ISTANBUL

Türkiye on Tuesday announced its candidacy to host the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanking the countries who supported the bid.

Addressing COP29, Erdogan said that Türkiye is transforming its key sectors in line with its vision to achieve net zero emissions by 2053 and green growth.

Türkiye has implemented the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy Action Plans for the years 2024-2030, Erdogan said, adding: "We have increased the share of renewable energy in our total installed capacity to 59%. With this rate, we are ranked 5th in Europe and 11th in the world. Our key priorities for achieving the 2053 net zero emissions target are renewable energy, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy."

He added that the country will increase its installed capacity of wind and solar energy from 31,000 megawatts to 120,000 megawatts by 2035.

"In nuclear energy, we aim to reach a capacity of 20,000 megawatts by 2050. With our National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for 2024-2030, we foresee a reduction of 100 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. We continue to promote our national electric car, Togg,” he added.

Stating that the Zero Waste Project has prevented 5.9 million tons of greenhouse gases since its launch, Erdogan said that the country is strengthening its fight against climate change with the project.

Millions of saplings are planted on November 11 every year to mark National Afforestation Day, the president said, adding: "Of course, all of these efforts come at a very high economic cost. To strengthen and make our global fight more effective, I believe this summit will establish a climate financing target that addresses the needs of developing countries."

Israel’s attacks causes severe humanitarian, environmental disaster in Gaza

Pointing to Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza, Erdogan said: “We believe that those responsible for severe humanitarian and environmental disaster in Gaza should be held accountable in international court.”

Stating that Israel’s “unlawful, immoral, and unconscionable” attacks continue targeting Palestine and Lebanon, Erdogan said Tel Aviv causes massive environmental destruction.

“The chemicals leaking into the soil and underground waters due to Israeli attacks have already darkened the future of Gazan children,” he added.