Baku, November 12, 2024 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has presented Türkiye’s comprehensive climate action strategy at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, pledging a bold commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2053. This pledge is part of Türkiye’s broader vision to address climate change through transformative actions in energy, waste management, and global climate leadership.
In his address, President Erdogan outlined Türkiye’s roadmap for a green transition, emphasizing the expansion of renewable energy capacity as a central pillar of this plan. Türkiye aims to scale its installed wind and solar energy capacity from 31,000 megawatts to 120,000 megawatts by 2035, a significant move towards energy sustainability. This ambitious target underscores Türkiye’s commitment to environmental responsibility and its role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Erdogan also highlighted the impact of Türkiye’s Zero Waste Project, launched in 2017 to reduce waste generation, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable practices nationwide. The project has successfully averted 5.9 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions to date, showcasing Türkiye’s dedication to domestic environmental initiatives.
Türkiye’s participation at COP29 conveyed a powerful message on global justice, as President Erdogan called for accountability regarding the humanitarian and environmental crisis in Gaza. He urged the international community to pursue legal measures to hold responsible parties accountable, reinforcing Türkiye’s stance on human rights and environmental protection.
Expanding its commitment to climate leadership, Türkiye announced its candidacy to host the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31). President Erdogan expressed gratitude to supporting nations, noting that hosting COP31 would solidify Türkiye’s position as a proactive leader in international climate efforts.
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), currently underway in Baku, has brought together global leaders, policymakers, and activists. The summit focuses on translating climate commitments into action and seeks innovative funding mechanisms to drive global progress on climate goals.
