Oil dependence is bad for the climate and the economy, UN chief tells COP31
USO•UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said fossil-fuel dependence carries economic and security costs, while nine oil companies are on track to earn more than $95 billion in three months. Turkey urged countries to support a goal of raising electricity’s share of global energy use to 35% by 2035, without requiring the power to be renewable.
1. Guterres criticises oil profits
At COP31 in Antalya, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticised fossil-fuel dependence and said nine oil companies were on track to earn more than $95 billion in three months. He said families, businesses and governments were paying the economic and security costs of reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Turkey backs electrification goal
Turkey urged countries to support a goal of increasing electricity’s share of global energy use to 35% by 2035, from around a fifth today. The pledge does not require that the additional electricity come from low-carbon sources, a point criticised by climate advocates. COP31 President Murat Kurum said the goal could cut emissions, support economic growth and improve energy security.
3. Fossil-fuel reliance persists
Turkey and Australia, which is leading negotiations, both rely on fossil fuels for electricity. Coal generated about a third of Turkey’s electricity last year and more than 40% of Australia’s. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said oil production from the Gabar fields would exceed 100,000 barrels per day in the second half of 2027.
