Antalya: Climate activist Greta Thunberg attended the COP31 climate summit in Türkiye on Tuesday, urging world leaders to prioritise environmental protection over economic interests and political influence. Her arrival comes amid growing concerns over climate-related disasters and continued dependence on fossil fuels.
Speaking to reporters, Thunberg questioned the effectiveness of annual climate negotiations, alleging that powerful industrial lobbyists influence discussions while countries hosting the summits continue to rely on polluting energy sources. She argued that existing political and economic systems are failing to adequately address the climate crisis.
The conference, being held in Antalya, follows a year marked by devastating heatwaves and floods, alongside fresh energy concerns linked to the Iran war. Türkiye and Australia, the summit’s co-hosts, have highlighted renewable energy initiatives, including solar power installations, despite their continued dependence on coal for electricity generation.
Thunberg warned that climate change threatens people’s lives and livelihoods, calling for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities rather than allowing wealthy interests to benefit at their expense.
This marks her first appearance at a UN climate conference since COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. She first gained international recognition in 2018 through her school strike campaign outside Sweden’s Parliament.
Her participation has drawn attention from young climate campaigners attending the summit. Several youth representatives said her presence could increase pressure on governments to deliver measurable commitments rather than make repeated promises.
Protesters at COP31 have also called for greater climate financing and raised concerns over increasing interest in nuclear energy.
A key priority for Türkiye is expanding global electrification across transport, buildings and heavy industries. The country aims to increase electricity’s share of global energy consumption to 35% by 2035, compared with the current 23%.
The UN climate negotiations will continue in Antalya until November 20. Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa is scheduled to host COP32 in November 2027.
