Antalya, T\u00fcrkiye \u2013 Greenpeace has called on leaders arriving for the UN climate talks COP31 to pick up the challenge laid down by UN Secretary-General Guterres and ramp up the urgency of their action with clear and credible commitments and roadmaps to end fossil fuels.<\/p>\n\n
As the Brazil Presidency launched its legacy COP30 roadmap for the transition away from fossil fuels on day two of COP31, Guterres called on leaders to build their own \u201cconcrete national roadmaps\u201d.[1] His remarks came as the focus shifted to COP31 Presidents T\u00fcrkiye and Australia and the contradiction between their reliance on fossil fuels and their actions in Antalya. <\/p>\n\n
Leaders arriving at COP31 will now need to show they are prepared to act more swiftly after the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said the world is entering a \u201cnew age of climate extremes\u201d and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) declared a 1.5\u00b0C overshoot is already locked in.[2][3]<\/p>\n\n
Emel T\u00fcrker Alpay, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace T\u00fcrkiye, said:<\/strong> \u201cA Presidency\u2019s legacy is measured in how they move the world from rhetoric to action. President Kurum has said that cutting fossil fuel use will be a measure of this COP\u2019s success and we will hold the Presidency to that standard!<\/p>\n\n \u201cT\u00fcrkiye must ensure the Brazil COP30 roadmap serves as a catalyst for more ambition and urgent action at COP31 and beyond. It also means leading by example at home. T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s new 2040 energy plan bets on electrification, but keeps coal, oil and gas in the mix with no exit date.<\/p>\n\n \u201cThe Presidency’s electrification target is the right direction, but it is not a goal in itself. It only serves to keep the 1.5\u00b0C target alive if it drives renewable-based electrification that actively displaces fossil fuels as part of an equitable, affordable and people-centred transition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n \u201cA host country with no planned coal phase-out and transitioning away from fossil fuels cannot lead the transition from the sidelines. T\u00fcrkiye must announce the coal phase-out date and start planning the roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels. Antalya can be the COP where the fossil fuel roadmap starts delivering, if the Presidency chooses to lead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n Dr Simon Bradshaw, COP31 lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said:<\/strong> \u201cAs leaders meet in T\u00fcrkiye amidst a global energy shock and soaring temperatures, the stakes have never been higher. The success of COP31 will be judged by whether it delivers real action and momentum to phase out fossil fuels. Brazil laid the ground, it\u2019s now up to Australia to take the baton and run hard. <\/p>\n\n \u201cAustralia must step up and lead the way through developing a national roadmap away from fossil fuels, and as President of Negotiations, ensure COP31 delivers concrete plans and time-bound action. Australia cannot drop the ball on this, with the looming threat of 1.5\u00b0C overshoot and the future of entire nations in the balance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n Anna C\u00e1rcamo, Climate Politics Specialist at Greenpeace Brazil<\/strong> said:<\/strong> \u201cThe launch of the COP30 fossil fuels roadmap has helped renew hope, turning the COP28 promise to transition away from fossil fuels into a roadmap the world can act on through continued dialogue, but likewise we cannot waste another moment. COP31 is now the place to decide how and when that transition will take place.<\/p>\n\n \u201cThe COP30 roadmap is already encouraging countries to develop their own national roadmaps, address the phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies and implement tax reforms \u2013 measures essential for ensuring an effective, equitable, and well-funded transition. This includes Brazil, which must craft a national roadmap consistent with these recommendations.<\/p>\n\n \u201cLeaders from several countries called for action from countries starting now and the continuity of implementation of this agenda here at COP31. We need continuous action at this COP and beyond to stay on path to a livable future.”<\/p>\n\n ENDS<\/p>\n\n Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n [1] UN Secretary-General\u2019s remarks at the COP30 roadmap event<\/a><\/p>\n\n [2] WMO State of the Climate 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n [3] UNEP Limiting Overshoot Contacts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Aaron Gray-Block, Greenpeace International, Climate Politics Communications Manager, aaron.gray-block@greenpeace.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n Beyza Kural, Senior Communication Expert, Greenpeace T\u00fcrkiye, +90 5336 417 123, beyza.kural@greenpeace.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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