Suryaa International Desk: Turkey, the host of the COP31 United Nations climate summit in Antalya, has introduced a proposal to increase global electrification. The country has set a target to replace at least 35 percent of global energy consumption with electricity by 2035 to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Murat Kurum, Turkey’s Minister of Environment and COP31 President, noted that current global electricity usage stands at 20 percent.
The proposal advocates for replacing technologies that directly burn oil, coal, and natural gas in transportation, home appliances, heating systems, and industrial manufacturing with electricity-based alternatives. Turkey highlighted that recent geopolitical tensions and energy crises in West Asia demonstrate the risks associated with depending on imported fuels. The nation argues that accelerating domestic renewable energy development and electrification is the solution to energy security.
Climate experts have expressed varying views on the environmental impact of this target. Scientists warn that increasing electricity consumption does not automatically reduce emissions, noting that the method of electricity generation remains a challenge. While countries like France and Sweden utilize nuclear and renewable energy, developing economies such as China and India continue to rely on coal-fired power plants. Analysts expressed concern that if grid systems are not fully decarbonized, increased electrification could lead to higher coal consumption.
Turkey and Australia are collaborating at the summit, with Turkey serving as host and Australia overseeing the official UN climate negotiations. Turkey intends for this initiative to function as a voluntary coalition and practical action agenda rather than a set of legally binding regulations. Experts acknowledge that electrification is viewed as a potential path for addressing global warming and achieving energy security.