UNEP looks to Türkiye for leadership on climate ahead of COP31

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen has highlighted Türkiye's pivotal role in global climate efforts as the country prepares to host the COP31 summit next year. Speaking in Nairobi at the UN Environment Assembly, Andersen expressed strong optimism for collaboration, citing Türkiye's unique geographical position, rich biodiversity, and renewable energy potential.

Türkiye's strategic advantages for climate leadership

Andersen described Türkiye as "a powerful country in a magnificent location," serving as a crucial bridge between continents. She pointed to its diverse ecosystems and significant renewable energy capacity, particularly in hydropower and wind. The UNEP chief also commended First Lady Emine Erdogan's global leadership on the zero-waste initiative, which led the UN to establish an International Day of Zero Waste, noting Türkiye's integrated approach to development and environmental stewardship.

The global climate agenda and the path to COP31

Assessing global progress on the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, Andersen acknowledged unfinished goals but pointed to advances like the COP30 decision to triple adaptation finance. She expressed confidence that Türkiye and Australia would work with Brazil to advance a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap, a proposal already backed by roughly 80 nations. "There is still some work to be done," she stated, "Rome wasn’t built in a day."

Addressing the environmental footprint of AI

Andersen also touched on emerging challenges discussed at the assembly, including the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. She emphasized the need to maximize AI's benefits for environmental protection while minimizing its footprint through circular economy principles for materials and ensuring the technology is powered by clean energy sources. This balance, she suggested, is essential for sustainable technological advancement.