Turkey is moving forward with its bid to host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) next year, according to Fatma Varank, the deputy minister of environment and Türkiye’s chief climate negotiator. Speaking at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, she stressed that climate change is a critical global issue needing commitment from all nations.
During discussions at the UN General Assembly in New York, Turkey and Australia reached an initial agreement to co-host COP31. However, Australia later expressed a desire to lead the event alone, prompting Türkiye to reaffirm its readiness to host independently if needed.
Varank highlighted that Türkiye’s vision focuses on including all vulnerable regions in climate discussions, particularly the Pacific, which faces severe climate impacts. She believes that Türkiye can act as a mediator between developed and developing countries, making the conference relevant for everyone.
“The push to host COP31 is about global unity for our shared future,” Varank stated. The participation of Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz at COP30 underscores Turkey’s determination for the presidency. Turkish Minister of Environment, Murat Kurum, is set to join discussions in Belem soon, which should help finalize details on Türkiye’s candidacy.
In recent years, the importance of international climate conferences has become increasingly clear. Notably, a recent survey indicated that over 70% of people believe climate action is urgent, highlighting the public’s concern.
As the world grapples with extreme weather events, Turkey’s hosting of COP31 could represent a significant step toward fostering unity and collective action in combating climate change. Experts from various fields have emphasized that such gatherings are vital for sharing knowledge and resources to tackle environmental challenges more effectively.
For more context on the role of international collaboration in climate action, you can visit the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Source link
Climate,Anadolu Agency
