ANTALYA (Bernama-Anadolu): COP31 President and Turkish Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum has called for decisive action on climate change, citing younger generations' expectations for action on the issue, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
"The world now has to make decisions. Young people and societies expect this from us. If we occupy these positions and take on these responsibilities, we must do what is necessary. As the COP31 Presidency, we will demonstrate this determination," Kurum said in an interview with CNN International's Becky Anderson at the COP31 venue here.
Kurum underlined that countries must not delay setting targets and demonstrating their determination to address the devastating effects of climate change.
"However, we are demonstrating our determination to achieve these targets globally. Once we do so, believe me, the world will become a much better and safer place. Countries that are taking these steps today are already moving ahead," Kurum said, noting that every country had different capabilities and priorities.
Stressing that the fight against climate change would shape the next 50 years, Kurum said countries that took the lead on the issue would improve the well-being of their people, while those that failed to do so might find themselves longing for their current position.
Asked whether he acknowledged that fossil fuels would continue to be part of the energy mix in the coming years, Kurum responded that he did not believe fossil fuels would remain a significant energy source in the future.
"Renewable energy is 50 per cent cheaper. If a cheaper alternative is available, why would people choose the more expensive one?” Kurum said, pointing to the difference between the costs of renewable energy production and fossil fuels.
Kurum noted that people generally preferred affordable, high-quality options when meeting their needs.
"We choose whichever option meets our needs and costs less. The world will inevitably have to make that choice,” he said.
Kurum pointed out that while the cost of generating 1,000 megawatts of energy previously exceeded US$1 million, renewable energy had now reduced that cost to US$400,000, adding that electric vehicles initially had a range of 300 kilometres but were now approaching 1,100 kilometres.
He underlined that technological developments would continue to drive change and transformation, adding that there was no need to force countries to make the transition as it would happen naturally.
He also highlighted the importance of COP31's implementation target of increasing the global electrification rate to 35 per cent by 2035.
"Electrification is a concrete target. Why is it concrete? Because if we achieve global electrification by 2035, we will already be moving away from fossil fuels. Why? Because electrification means obtaining energy from clean sources. It means expanding the use of electricity in transportation, industry and manufacturing. It also means reducing fossil fuel consumption.
"Can you see the difference between these two approaches? On the one hand, a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels is extremely valuable and important. On the other hand, we have tangible progress. One is a bird in the bush, while the other is a bird in the hand. That is why we are focusing on what is within our reach. What we already have is more valuable and more important," he added.
Asked what success would mean in 10 days, Kurum said the COP31 Presidency would consider the summit successful if its decisions led to tangible improvements in people's lives, including higher agricultural yields, greater urban resilience, increased renewable energy use and enhanced safety and security.
He underlined that success would ultimately be measured by concrete outcomes and commitments that would allow participants to leave Antalya feeling that meaningful decisions had been made and real progress had been achieved in tackling climate change.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
