COP31 to open in Turkey, with climate goals under pressure from war and AI
SPY•Representatives from nearly 200 countries will gather in Turkey for two weeks of climate talks, as war-driven energy concerns, rising AI power demand and US disengagement complicate efforts to agree on climate action. Turkey is urging countries to back a goal of electrifying more than a third of the global economy by 2035.
1. Electrification goal
Turkey’s COP31 presidency is centering the summit on a goal to electrify more than a third of the global economy by 2035, up from around a fifth today. The pledge does not require that additional electricity come from low-carbon sources, drawing criticism from climate advocates.
2. Fossil fuel dispute
A coalition including South Pacific island nations is pushing for a clearer roadmap away from fossil fuels. Oil- and gas-producing countries including Saudi Arabia argue fossil fuels can remain part of the energy mix if paired with technologies that reduce or capture emissions.
3. War and AI pressures
The Iran war has disrupted Middle East oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting fuel prices and prompting governments to seek supplies; some Asian nations have increased reliance on coal. Meanwhile, AI is driving power demand, and Turkey will ask governments, businesses and other institutions to support principles for sustainable AI development.
