Minister Murat Kurum's Evaluation on Climate Change and the COP31 Process
Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum emphasized that the climate crisis is a common issue for all humanity and shared Turkey's COP31 preparations.
Speaking at the NextGenCOP30.5: Climate Summit and Youth Diplomacy Simulation Program, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum stated that climate change is a common issue for all humanity and conveyed Turkey's approach to the COP31 process, which it will host in Antalya.
The Common Dimension of the Climate Crisis
Speaking at the opening of the NextGenCOP30.5: Climate Summit and Youth Diplomacy Simulation Program held at the Birun Island Hotel on Democracy and Freedoms Island, Minister Murat Kurum evaluated the impacts of the global climate crisis.
Citing the flood disaster in Nepal as an example, Kurum stated that melting glaciers and floods are concrete consequences of climate change, noting that this problem concerns all of humanity.
Climate Diplomacy and Country Conditions
Expressing that elements such as countries' levels of development, energy systems, and climate risks differ from one another, Minister Kurum touched upon the importance of creating a common ground for action among different priorities in climate diplomacy.
The Role of Youth and COP31 Expectations
Stating that Turkey will execute the presidency and action agenda during the COP31 process to be held in Antalya, Kurum emphasized that young people must take an active role in this process not as guests, but as actors and subjects.
Asking the youth to generate new ideas and proposals that can be carried over to Antalya, Kurum drew attention to the importance of the youth diplomacy simulation leg of the summit.
Climate Law and Green Development
Touching upon the steps taken by Turkey in combating climate change, Kurum stated that the first Climate Law entered into force in 2025 and work continues in line with the 2053 Net Zero Emission targets.
Expressing that Turkey is preparing for COP31 as a country that does its homework, Kurum said that targets in climate diplomacy are supported by schedules, legislation, and concrete practices.