Turkey is set to host the flagship United Nations climate change conference next year, beating a rival proposal from Australia following a protracted contest between the two countries.
The COP31 talks next November will be staged in the resort city of Antalya, according to people briefed on the discussions at this year’s two-week summit in Belém, Brazil.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoganCredit: Getty Images
Turkey will also hold the presidency of the summit while Australia will lead the negotiations under an agreement forged late Wednesday, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the decision hasn’t been announced yet. A group of countries was on track to formally accept the plan following a meeting on Thursday morning, AEST, at the COP30 climate summit in Belem.
The world leaders summit that typically happens at the start of each COP will also take place in Turkey, according to one of the people. There will be a pre-COP event in the Pacific region, the person said.
The news has not yet been confirmed by the Albanese government or the Erdogan camp, who have both been contacted for comment.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has touted Turkey’s credentials to act as a bridge between developed and emerging economies. That speaks to the tensions among rich and developing nations over funding for climate action that have dominated negotiations in recent years.
Turkey, which is targeting net zero emissions by 2053, is preparing a new set of national climate targets.
Australia had sought to host the next COP summit as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attempts to reverse Australia’s reputation as a climate laggard. Legislation on the country’s first binding emissions reduction target was passed shortly after he came to power. A new goal announced in September seeks cuts of as much as 70% to its 2005 level of emissions by 2035.
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