In a public statement, the İklim Ağı (Climate Network) welcomed Türkiye’s decision to host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2026.
The statement emphasised that hosting COP31 presents Türkiye with a significant opportunity to build a decarbonised economy through a just transition that includes all segments of society.
The statement reads as follows:
“In 2026, Türkiye will host the world’s most important climate gathering, with the participation of nearly 200 countries. At a time when the climate crisis is rapidly deepening, this hosting represents a historic turning point with the potential to reshape Türkiye’s climate policies.
On behalf of the Climate Network, we welcome this decision. However, we are aware that genuine leadership is demonstrated not merely through hosting but through determination in transitioning to a decarbonised economy, supported by strong climate policies and broad societal participation.
On the road to COP31, we expect Türkiye to take decisive steps in the following areas:
- To begin reducing emissions immediately through an ambitious climate target;
- To end new coal investments and develop a coal phase-out strategy based on just transition principles;
- To accelerate renewable energy investments in a manner compatible with nature and social justice, while increasing energy efficiency and conservation.
- To strengthen and rapidly implement adaptation policies that enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change;
- As a democratic state governed by the rule of law, to ensure that all policy areas, including climate policy, are shaped through participatory processes.
During the negotiations at COP31, we expect Türkiye, as Presidency, to demonstrate a determined stance on the global phase-out of fossil fuels, while fostering a balanced and equitable negotiating environment between those most responsible for the climate crisis and those least responsible yet most affected by its impacts.
If Türkiye’s hosting of COP31 is carried out with an intention that prioritizes the climate, society, and nature, it can become not only a global event but also the starting point of a lasting transformation against the climate crisis within the country.
As the Climate Network, we will continue to contribute to this process with our expertise and scientific knowledge, and to closely monitor the steps Türkiye takes toward a just, democratic, and decarbonized future.”
About the Climate Network
Established to support the development of policies that strengthen Türkiye’s fight against the climate crisis, the Climate Network brings together 15 civil society organizations working in this field.
Members of the Climate Network
- Buğday Ekolojik Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği (Buğday Association for Supporting Ecological Living)
- Avrupa İklim Eylem Ağı (Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe)
- ClientEarth
- Doğa Derneği (Nature Association)
- Greenpeace Türkiye
- Hukuk Doğa ve Toplum Vakfı (Law, Nature and Society Foundation, HUDOTO)
- İklim Değişikliği Politika ve Araştırma Derneği (Climate Change Policy and Research Association, İDPAD)
- İklim için 350 Derneği (350.org Türkiye)
- Mekanda Adalet Derneği (Spatial Justice Association, MAD)
- Sürdürülebilir Ekonomi ve Finans Araştırmaları Derneği (Sustainable Economy and Finance Research Association, SEFiA)
- Temiz Hava Hakkı Derneği ( Right to Clean Air Association, THHD)
- Türetim Ekonomisi Derneği (Regenerative Economy Association)
- TEMA Foundation (The Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats)
- WWF-Türkiye
- Yeşil Düşünce Derneği (Green Thought Association, YDD)