Joint Statement Highlights Key Demands
Nearly 100 civil society groups from Türkiye and Australia have called on the COP31 Presidency to prioritise the transition away from fossil fuels. They made this announcement during the Bonn Climate Change Conference on 12th June 2026.
In a joint statement addressed to Turkish Minister Murat Kurum and Australian Minister Chris Bowen, the groups emphasise the historic opportunity for both nations to lead international efforts in reducing fossil fuel dependency. They urge COP31 to focus on limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
The statement outlines several demands, including advancing a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, implementing the Just Transition Mechanism with concrete actions, and ensuring that major polluters contribute to climate finance.
Focus on International Cooperation
These groups also call for COP31 to rebuild trust in the multilateral process by protecting negotiations from fossil fuel industry influence and ensuring the participation of civil society and Indigenous Peoples. They advocate for Türkiye and Australia to set an example by developing national plans for fossil fuel reduction.
Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, stated, "The Pacific is at the forefront of global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. For us, phasing out fossil fuels and holding the line on 1.5°C is about survival."
Tanyeli Behiç Sabuncu, WWF-Türkiye Climate and Energy Practice Manager, noted, "As the President of COP31, Türkiye should not postpone leaving coal. Announcing a coal phase-out date would send the clearest initial signal that the country takes its leadership role at COP seriously."
The COP31 conference in Antalya this November presents a crucial opportunity for Türkiye and Australia to inspire strong global outcomes by leading with bold domestic policies and international cooperation. The conference aims to enhance international cooperation and support equitable transitions, ensuring that vulnerable communities are protected.
The letter also encourages Türkiye and Australia to develop national roadmaps to transition away from fossil fuels, taking bold decisions domestically. By combining the diplomatic reach of both host nations with the long-standing climate leadership of the Pacific, COP31 should champion the action required to limit warming to 1.5°C.
Last updated: 13 June 2026, 2:15 am
