With hundreds of people evacuated and thousands without power due to wildfires in Türkiye’s Antalya – the Mediterranean coastal province where world leaders will gather for COP31 – 350.org said that the blazes are a reminder that a hotter, drier climate will continue to exact its toll on ordinary people unless leaders act urgently to phase out fossil fuels.

350.org urged COP31 host and co-chair Türkiye to take the reins in ensuring that a global transition away from fossil fuels is at the heart of the climate summit. The Turkish government must also model leadership by announcing a national roadmap that will end the country’s dependence on oil, gas and coal ahead of COP31.

350.org Türkiye said that with constant wildfires, drought in Anatolia, increasing sinkholes in the Konya Plain, and the drying up of Lake Iznik and other lakes, “the government should be sounding the alarm on the climate crisis and addressing its real cause: fossil fuels.”

Efe Baysal, 350.org Türkiye Manager said, “In November, the world will gather in Antalya for COP31 to discuss the steps that must be taken against the climate crisis. Today, however, that same city is battling an uncontrollable wildfire that began in Aksu district of Antalya and spread throughout the region. Reports of fires are also coming in from Adana and Mersin. Our prayers are with those fighting the blazes on the ground to defend life.

The wildfires occurring primarily in Antalya demonstrate this truth once again: rising temperatures create the conditions for fires to start more easily, spread faster, and become more destructive. The climate crisis is here, and the frequency and severity of extreme weather events are increasing day by day.

Assuming the COP31 Presidency, Türkiye’s responsibility is even more crucial. At COP31, Türkiye should aim to produce concrete outcomes to advance the transition away from fossil fuels. To make this leadership credible, Türkiye should announce a timeline for a phase-out of coal without delay. It should initiate a just transition to renewable energy that will reduce our dependence on coal, oil, and gas. It is not enough merely to respond to the consequences of the climate crisis. We must eliminate the causes that exacerbate it. COP31 is an opportunity for Türkiye to demonstrate true leadership in this direction.”

350.org Türkiye is leading a campaign against the destructive effects of the climate crisis on Türkiye’s water resources and farmland. It is calling on the government to define and implement a coal exit strategy; end fossil fuel subsidies; and promote community-led renewable energy.

Media Contact:

Efe Baysal, 350.org Türkey Manager, efe.baysal@350.org