As the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) concluded in Belém, Brazil, preparations for COP31, to be held in Antalya, are rising to the top of the national and academic agenda. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, a faculty member at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy, evaluated the lessons learned from COP30 in his article in Perspektif, offering important warnings and recommendations on how Türkiye should prepare for COP31. Özdemir also noted that COP31 is not only a diplomatic success for Türkiye but also an opportunity for national transformation.
Here is Özdemir's article:
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) is the highest-level international meeting where global climate policies are determined. Following the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) adopted at the 1992 Rio Summit, COPs, held annually since 1995, have been the platform where all turning points of climate diplomacy, from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement, have taken shape.
Decisions that determine humanity's future, such as phasing out fossil fuels, climate finance, adaptation policies, and limiting global temperature increase, are made at these summits. Therefore, COP meetings serve as a global decision-making arena where science, diplomacy, and ethical responsibility intersect.
“COP30: A Confrontation Regarding Humanity’s Future”
In the first week of COP30, the terms 'implementation gap' and 'finance gap'—as one of the most fundamental reasons for this gap—stood out in almost every main negotiation topic. Developing countries, especially those grappling with conflict, pandemics, and increasing climate risks, are aiming for an annual climate finance target of USD 300 billion (until 2035).
However, during the negotiation process, there are serious uncertainties regarding the timing of this target, the type of resources (grants or loans; public or private sector), and the mechanisms through which they will be transferred. This presents both a risk and an opportunity for middle-income countries like Türkiye. While securing financing mechanisms emerges as an opportunity, insufficient commitments can make it harder to cope with challenges.
Therefore, COP30, held this year in Belém, Brazil, can be seen not only as a climate negotiation meeting but also as one of the most candid confrontations regarding humanity's future. This year's summit brought together countries worldwide, powerfully demonstrating once again that the climate crisis is no longer an abstract environmental problem but a direct issue of economic security, social stability, food and water management, and global justice, thereby concerning all of us.
Fossil Fuels and Energy Transition
One of the most contentious areas at COP30 was the proposal to phase out fossil fuels and create a roadmap for it. Although more than 80 countries supported this call, some countries that derive high incomes from oil and gas production remained distant from the proposal. In this context, Türkiye needs to consider issues such as fossil fuel-based energy production, coal and natural gas use, and the cost of transitioning to renewable energy with a holistic understanding, and make certain decisions.
Furthermore, the economic risks posed by climate disasters like fires and floods demonstrate the inevitability of this transition, and the policies to be determined and implemented in this regard should not be delayed. Indeed, COP30 has shown that we are all now at a turning point not just for “listing commitments” but for “real-world actions.”
For example, concrete goals such as accelerating clean energy investments, promoting sustainable fuels (biofuels, e-fuels), and supporting green industrial chains are on the agenda. This also serves as a warning for many countries: Promises are not enough. Therefore, systems that finance these actions need to be put into operation.
The Economic Cost of Ignoring Climate Reality
Despite climate deniers, climate disasters in different parts of the world are helping people better understand the urgent need for action on climate. While everyone accepts that the climate is changing, they are also beginning to accept that it is “human-induced.” These are no longer distant threats; they are real-time economic events. Floods, droughts, wildfires, storms, and extreme heatwaves are now occurring much more frequently and destructively. Climate disasters disrupt human lives, increase climate refugees, destroy infrastructure, and deplete national budgets.
Every disaster brings at least a two-fold economic burden. On one hand, there are immediate losses: loss of life, damage to homes, agricultural lands, water systems, transportation networks, and businesses. However, the climate crisis also brings long-term structural damages. Productivity decreases, supply chains weaken, insurance costs increase. Populations are displaced, and public health crises grow.
Global data shows that climate-related disasters cost hundreds of billions of dollars annually, and this figure is rapidly increasing. Developing countries, usually least responsible for emissions, are among the most vulnerable to these recurring shocks due to their fragile infrastructure and limited financial means.
Economists now widely agree that ignoring or downplaying climate reality is not an option. The cost of inaction far outweighs the investments needed for adaptation, emissions reduction, and a transition to a sustainable economy. Every delayed decision multiplies future losses. It is precisely here that we must remember that climate policy is, in fact, economic policy.
A resilient economy must be based on an understanding that accepts the reality of the climate crisis and confronts the fact that economic growth and development cannot be limitless. Oxford economist Kate Raworth's “doughnut economy” model argues that humanity can live without exceeding both the social foundation (minimum living conditions that preserve human dignity) and the ecological ceiling (the planet's carrying capacity).
From this perspective, a sustainable economy necessitates integrating the awareness of limited natural resources into financial planning, aligning economic decisions with ecological boundaries, and investing in systems that protect both human well-being and planetary balance.
The Economic Cost of the Climate Crisis Can No Longer Be Ignored
One of the most important messages from COP30 was that the economic cost of climate disasters has dramatically increased worldwide. As of 2025, the costs of floods, droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather events have exceeded hundreds of billions of dollars. Funds that should be allocated to education, health, infrastructure, and social services are increasingly being diverted to disaster response, repair, reconstruction, and compensation expenses.
This situation places developing countries, in particular, before a severe dilemma: development or catching up with disasters? It was clear at COP30 that the answer to this question is now doing both simultaneously. Development is only possible with climate resilience.
Throughout the conference, the most intense discussions revolved around “climate finance.” Developing countries and NGOs emphasized the need for at least $300 billion annually for adaptation and loss and damage funds. However, the reluctance of developed countries to increase their commitments significantly widens the implementation gap. Therefore, one of the fundamental truths COP30 taught everyone is this: Real transformation is not possible without financing.
“Just Transition” and Systemic Transformation
In an environment where the concept of “environmental justice” is better understood every day, it is pleasing that the concept of “just transition” gained a central place at COP30. This means that policies related to energy transition must be supported by secure social policies for workers and vulnerable communities. Given the regions affected by wildfires, floods, and droughts in many countries, it is clear that just transition policies must be an integral part of national climate strategy.
In the COP30 discussions, particularly the G77+China bloc, demanded the establishment of a Global Mechanism for Just Transition. Here, the emphasis on “just transition” means considering workers' rights, social inequalities, and the vulnerability of local economies. In the context of Türkiye, this indicates that the social dimensions of climate adaptation strategy must be taken into account in many areas, from mining to the fossil energy sector, from agriculture to tourism.
One of the key messages left by COP30 is this: The climate crisis is no longer an issue of the future but an urgent matter of today. Combating this crisis must be done with economic reason, social justice, and an intergenerational ethical responsibility. Therefore, the message to be drawn for political decision-makers, the private sector, financial institutions, and academic circles is clear: Fighting climate change is no longer a luxury, but a necessity at the heart of economic strategy and a “moral duty” we must fulfill towards future generations.
COP31 Antalya: A Unique Opportunity for Türkiye
The fact that COP31 will be held in Antalya is not only a major diplomatic success for Türkiye but also one of the rare opportunities offered by history. However, this opportunity should not be limited to promoting Türkiye, its tourism power, or the prestige of hosting. COP31 Antalya can be a platform for Türkiye to demonstrate its seriousness about the climate crisis, its scientific capacity, its awareness of ethical responsibility, and its visionary approach to the world.
Türkiye has over 200 universities, strong academic staff, thousands of researchers, dynamic civil society organizations, and climate activists working selflessly in the field. COP31 Antalya should create a meeting and contribution platform for all these segments to open up to the world.
The purpose of this participation should not only be to diagnose climate problems but to show that Türkiye is a country that produces solutions, develops proposals, and guides global discussions. For hosting a COP also brings the responsibility of having a say in climate diplomacy.
Not Just Energy, But Sustainable Lifestyles Should Also Be on the Agenda
The agenda for COP31 Antalya will, of course, include alternative energy sources, renewable investments, financing mechanisms, and strategies for phasing out fossil fuels. As noted above, Türkiye should not limit itself to these technical discussions; it should also speak about how sustainable ways of life can be built in societies. In this context, the following themes need to be highlighted:
• Water conservation and water ethics (Türkiye is among the countries experiencing water stress. Major rivers have suffered significant pollution; 186 of its 240 lakes have dried up. Other rivers face serious risks.)
• Sustainable agriculture and agroecology (especially in the context of drought and food security)
• Urban transformation (climate resilience in cities like Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir)
• Circular economy and waste management
• Simple, moderate, nature-compatible lifestyle models
In Türkiye's cultural heritage and Anatolian wisdom, concepts such as “measure,” “balance,” “not wasting,” and “trust” are very strong. COP31 Antalya can be a great opportunity to remind society of these values and bring them into the universal climate discourse.
Mizan: A Covenant with the Earth
The 'Mizan: A Covenant with the Earth' declaration, conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the active contribution of Üsküdar University and environmentalists, holds great significance not only for Muslim communities but also for global ethical discussions.
The concept of “Mizan” in the Quran expresses that the universe and society are founded upon justice, balance, and measure. This concept represents a worldview that does not reduce nature to a commodity, thinks of the economy within biophysical limits, is responsibility-centered rather than anthropocentric, and prioritizes intergenerational justice.
While academics, theologians, environmental philosophers, and activists in Türkiye have contributed to the formation of this text, these contributions should be made visible at COP31 Antalya. This means not only presenting Türkiye's accumulation in cultural and religious studies to the world but also emphasizing that the climate crisis is not just a technical issue, but an ethical, spiritual, and cultural one. This point was also emphasized in the 2016 UNEP document “Environment, religion and culture in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
A COP31 summit in Antalya is not just a 12-day diplomatic event for Türkiye; if prepared correctly, it can be a national transformation initiative. For this, COP31 studies should be initiated in universities now, and widely attended forums should be organized for civil society. While municipalities and local governments update their climate adaptation plans, green financing strategies should be developed for the business world. Additionally, the tourism sector should prepare for COP31 with green standards and carbon reduction plans, and youth movements should be included in decision-making processes.
In short, if this process is managed correctly with a holistic understanding, Türkiye can become not just a diplomatic success with COP31 Antalya, but a model country that triggers ecological and economic transformation within itself.