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Cop31 host Turkey urges wealthy nations to spend more on climate than defence, but hedges on fossil fuel phase-out

Turkish minister Murat Kurum calls climate crisis the 'security issue' at pre-Cop summit in Fiji

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
The host of the next UN climate summit, Turkey, has called on wealthy countries to spend far more on tackling the climate crisis than the 5% of GDP promised by Nato members for defence, arguing that 'the climate issue is the security issue'. However, the Cop31 president-designate, Murat Kurum, stopped short of committing to repeat the previous agreement to 'transition away from fossil fuels', suggesting the world is 'already in a transition' and that fossil fuel use could be addressed indirectly through other steps. Kurum spoke at a pre-Cop meeting in Nadi, Fiji, this week, where only 13 national leaders attended, most from the Pacific.

The pre-Cop summit in Fiji, which Australia pushed for to highlight the plight of Pacific island nations, drew about 30 ministers, representatives from major emitters including China and Saudi Arabia, heads of global agencies, and approximately 4,000 other attendees. Kurum, Turkey's climate change minister, said in an interview that wealthy countries should spend much more on climate action than defence, referencing the Nato target of 5% of GDP. His comments on fossil fuels are expected to be contentious, as the Cop31 summit in Antalya, Turkey, in November will test whether nations can reaffirm the landmark pledge made at previous summits.

Geopolitical turmoil, a historic energy crisis, and an unpredictable and climate-denying US administration were cited as reasons for the relatively low attendance by national leaders at the pre-Cop. Nonetheless, Kurum framed climate action as a security priority, urging a shift in spending priorities. Australia holds the new role of 'president of negotiations' at Cop31.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Kurum's call to prioritise climate spending over defence spending could shift the debate in wealthy nations, but the lack of commitment to repeat the fossil fuel phase-out language risks undermining progress.
  • The low attendance at the pre-Cop highlights the challenge of maintaining global momentum on climate action amid geopolitical crises and a US administration hostile to climate science.
  • Pacific island nations, who face existential threats from rising seas, are pressing for stronger commitments; their voices are central to the upcoming summit.

Background

Cop31 is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, in November 2026. The pre-Cop meeting in Fiji was organised to prepare the ground and to draw attention to the vulnerability of island states. Australia, which co-chairs the summit with Turkey, pushed for the Pacific location. The previous Cop summit agreed to 'transition away from fossil fuels', a first for UN climate talks, but implementation remains contentious.

Key Perspectives

Wealthy nations: They face pressure to increase climate finance and cut emissions, but also have defence commitments (e.g. Nato's 5% target) and economic concerns. Pacific island nations and developing countries: They seek urgent action on loss and damage, adaptation funding, and a clear commitment to phase out fossil fuels. Fossil fuel producers: Countries like Saudi Arabia and others may resist repeating the transition language, preferring weaker or indirect measures.

What to Watch

  • The final text of any agreement at Cop31: whether it repeats, weakens, or omits the 'transition away from fossil fuels' language.
  • The level of participation and commitment from the United States under the current administration.
  • Whether Turkey and Australia can bridge the divide between major emitters and vulnerable nations to secure a meaningful outcome.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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