The key facts

  • Murat Kurum: the fight against climate change will define the next 50 years; lagging countries may 'long for the current situation'
  • COP31 aims to raise global electrification to 35% by 2035
  • Kurum does not believe fossil fuels will remain a significant energy source: renewable energy is 50% cheaper

What the summit president said

COP31 President, Turkey's Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum called on countries to take decisive climate action, citing the expectations of younger generations. 'The world must now make decisions. Youth and societies expect this from us. If we hold these positions and take on this responsibility, we must do what is necessary. As the COP31 presidency, we will demonstrate this determination,' he said in an interview with CNN International in Antalya, where the summit is taking place. According to him, countries must not delay setting targets, and the fight against climate change will define the next 50 years: leaders of this process will improve the well-being of their citizens, while those lagging behind may 'long for the current situation'.

The economic argument against fossil fuels

Asked whether he acknowledges that fossil fuels will remain part of the energy balance in the coming years, Kurum replied that he does not believe they will play a significant role in the future. His argument is price: renewable energy is 50% cheaper. He cited figures: the cost of generating 1,000 megawatts, which previously exceeded $1 million, has been reduced by renewable energy to $400,000, while the range of electric vehicles has grown from 300 to almost 1,100 kilometers. 'If there is a cheaper alternative, why choose the more expensive one?' the minister said, adding that there is no need to force countries to transition: it will happen naturally.

Electrification as a measurable goal

Kurum highlighted COP31's goal of raising the global level of electrification to 35% by 2035, calling it 'concrete' in contrast to the general roadmap for moving away from fossil fuels. In his logic, electrification means obtaining energy from clean sources, expanding the use of electricity in transport, industry and manufacturing, and, as a result, reducing fossil fuel consumption. 'One is a bird in the bush, the other is a bird in the hand. That is why we focus on what is in our hands,' he explained. He named tangible improvements in people's lives as the criterion of the summit's success: increased crop yields, urban resilience, use of renewable energy and safety. 'We want people to leave here saying: something has changed in Antalya, a decision was made here to reverse the negative course of events,' Kurum stated.