Two influential international civil society organisations, Greenpeace and Amnesty International, have called on Turkey, which will host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Climate Change Convention next year, to ‘take decisive action to combat climate change’ and to ‘make this a turning point for Turkey’s climate policies’.
Amnesty International called on Turkey, as host of COP31, to take decisive and transparent steps to combat climate change in line with its international obligations, while Greenpeace stated in its announcement, “COP31 could be a turning point for Turkey’s climate policies. As Greenpeace, we want COP31 to be more than just a meeting in Turkey; we want it to be the beginning of real change.”
Marta Schaaf, Climate Justice Programme Director at Amnesty International, made the following statement regarding Turkey’s hosting of the Conference of the Parties (COP31):
“As the newly appointed host of next year’s UN climate summit, Turkey must take decisive and transparent steps to combat climate change in line with its international obligations, as confirmed by the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice announced this year. This requires not only setting and implementing greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in line with the collective goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C, but also a fair and human rights-compliant transition away from fossil fuels that is complete, rapid, equitable and financed, protecting human rights across all sectors and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Turkey must also respect, protect and facilitate the work of environmental human rights defenders; and guarantee freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest so that those advocating for climate justice can freely participate in shaping climate policies before, during and after COP31.”
Greenpeace also stated in its announcement, “Climate change is one of the biggest problems facing our planet. One of the important milestones in this struggle is the annual United Nations Climate Change Conferences, known as COPs (Conference of the Parties).” It was emphasised that Turkey will host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in 2026, adding:
“COP (Conference of the Parties), or the Conference of the Parties, is a global climate summit held annually in accordance with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in 1992. The purpose of these meetings is to bring together nearly all countries in the world to develop joint solutions to the climate crisis.”
Greenpeace emphasised in its statement that Turkey’s hosting of COP31 in 2026 brings with it both a great opportunity and significant responsibilities, saying:
“The summit’s agenda will be determined following discussions based on the decisions taken at COP30. However, the following are expected to be on the agenda for COP31:
Reducing Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Strengthening the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by countries this year and setting more ambitious targets.
Climate Finance:
Strengthening and implementing financing mechanisms to support developing countries’ efforts to combat and adapt to climate change.
Adaptation and Resilience:
Adaptation strategies and infrastructure projects to cope with the effects of climate change, such as drought, flooding and extreme weather events, and their financing.
Loss and Damage Fund:
Ensuring that ‘loss and damage’ mechanisms are effectively operational, particularly for countries most affected by the impacts of climate change but with the least historical responsibility.
Just Transition:
Developing policies to support workers, communities and economies during the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Greenpeace statement noted that hosting COP31 brings with it a number of opportunities, stating, “Turkey has the opportunity to take a leading role in global climate action by playing an active part in climate diplomacy. The summit could provide strong momentum for Turkey to raise its own climate targets, accelerate renewable energy investments and promote the transition to a green economy,‘ the statement said, providing the following information:
’New doors could be opened in terms of access to the technology and finance needed to combat climate change. It could be an important platform for civil society organisations to reach wider audiences with the climate agenda and influence policy-making processes.
“However, on the other hand, hosting COP31 will also raise questions that need to be answered due to climate and energy policies and the shrinking civil space. Turkey’s 2035 climate target forecasts an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and does not commit to phasing out fossil fuels.
“In addition, the Ministry of Energy recently announced purchase guarantees and incentives for new and existing coal-fired power plants. These developments are inconsistent with the global 1.5°C target and Turkey’s 2053 net-zero target. COPs are summits that feature significant civil society activism alongside climate negotiations.
“Given the increasingly restricted civil space in Turkey, the question arises as to whether a safe, open and participatory environment will be provided for civil society and rights defenders to voice their demands through actions and activities before, during and after the summit.”
In its statement, Greenpeace said, ‘As the planet renews its warning, which it has been giving for decades, at an ever-higher pitch each year, COP31 could be a turning point for Turkey’s climate policies. At Greenpeace, we want COP31 to be more than just a meeting in Turkey; we want it to be the beginning of real change,’ and listed the following demands:
A Strong NDC in Line with the 1.5°C Target:
Turkey must commit to reducing its emissions from today onwards with an ambitious climate target.
A Just Exit from Coal:
It must prepare a coal exit strategy based on just transition principles by ending new coal investments.
Fair Renewable Energy Investments:
Renewable energy investments should be made in a manner consistent with environmental and social justice; energy efficiency should be increased through conservation.
Strong Adaptation Policies:
Adaptation policies that enhance resilience and adaptability to the impacts of climate change should be strengthened and implemented swiftly.
Strong Civil Society Participation:
As a democratic state governed by the rule of law, all policy areas, including climate policies, should be shaped based on participation and transparency.
The first COP was held in Berlin, Germany, in 1995. Since then, COP summits, held annually in different countries, have become the most important international platform for states to negotiate reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing climate finance and ensuring climate justice.
Landmark decisions such as the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015 emerged as a result of these processes. COP meetings still retain their status today as the largest diplomatic gathering shaping the planet’s future, where countries update their climate targets and make new commitments based on scientific data.