Türkiye's Erdogan urges developed countries to take greater responsibility for climate action

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for decisive global action to tackle the climate crisis, urging developed countries to take greater responsibility for reducing emissions and providing climate financing.

Speaking at the COP31 Business Forum in Türkiye's southern city of Antalya on Thursday, Erdogan said the alarming scale of the climate crisis demanded determined action worldwide.

"Developed countries that have depleted the global carbon budget should assume greater responsibility for emissions reductions and financing," he said.

Erdogan stressed that developing countries' right to development must be protected and communities bearing the heaviest burden of the climate crisis should receive strong support.

He warned against countries prioritising their own interests at the expense of collective action, saying such an approach would lead to greater challenges and more devastating disasters.

"If we act with the understanding that 'every man for himself,' the door will be opened to much greater difficulties and far more devastating disasters," he said.

The president also cautioned against repeating past mistakes by sacrificing environmental protection for economic interests.

"Errors made 50 or 100 years ago are now emerging one by one. If we repeat the same mistakes today and sacrifice ecology for the economy, our children will pay the price," he said.

Erdogan reaffirms commitment to investment in renewable energy

Erdogan said Türkiye was resolutely pursuing its green development agenda, restructuring sectors ranging from energy and industry to transportation, agriculture and construction.

He emphasised that governments alone could not succeed in the global fight against climate change, urging businesses to assume greater responsibility.

Erdogan said Türkiye aimed to strengthen its industrial competitiveness while combating climate change, pledging continued support for investments in renewable energy, including wind, solar and hydropower.

He acknowledged that rising energy prices were affecting Türkiye, as they were other countries, but stressed that Ankara would not abandon economic growth, development or investments aimed at improving public welfare.

Turning to regional developments, Erdogan said Türkiye had reaffirmed its position as an island of stability and security, with confidence among international investors and institutions continuing to grow.

"We are keeping our country away from conflicts and sincerely working to establish peace and stability in our region," he said.

"Türkiye is a country skilled at turning its dreams into goals and its goals into reality," he added.

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