7AdvancedExamEnvironment

Turkey Calls European Partnership Indispensable for COP31 Success

Turkey's COP31 President Murat Kurum addressed EU ambassadors in Ankara, declaring that a strong European partnership is unavoidable for the upcoming climate summit. With renewable energy still comprising only 24 percent of global energy use and fossil fuels dominating at 70 percent, the stakes for international cooperation have never been higher.

2 min readLevel 7March 18, 2026

By Flalingo Editorial Team

Vocabulary

Study these words before reading the article. Click the audio button to hear pronunciation.

indispensable

/ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/

adjective

Absolutely necessary or essential; something that cannot be done without

“International cooperation is indispensable for addressing the climate crisis effectively.”

imperative

/ɪmˈperətɪv/

noun

An essential or urgent thing; something of vital importance that must be done

“Reducing carbon emissions is a moral imperative for all industrialised nations.”

necessitate

/nəˈsesɪteɪt/

verb

To make something necessary or unavoidable as a result of certain conditions

“Rising sea levels necessitate the development of new coastal protection strategies.”

encompass

/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/

verb

To include or contain a wide range of things within its scope

“The new environmental policy will encompass regulations on air quality, water use, and waste management.”

harmonise

/ˈhɑːmənaɪz/

verb

To bring different systems, rules, or standards into agreement or consistency with each other

“Several developing nations are working to harmonise their trade regulations with international standards.”

unprecedented

/ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/

adjective

Never done or known before; having no previous example or parallel

“The joint hosting arrangement between the two countries was an unprecedented development in climate diplomacy.”

Article

Click on any underlined word to see its definition. Highlighted words are from the vocabulary section.

Seldom has a climate conference carried such geopolitical weight as COP31, which Turkey will host in Antalya this November. Minister Murat Kurum, serving as both COP31 President and Minister of Environment, addressed EU ambassadors in Ankara recently. He conveyed Turkey's vision for the summit in a detailed briefing to the European Union Delegation. The diplomatic meeting underscored the imperative of forging robust alliances ahead of the conference.

Kurum framed Turkey's hosting role not merely as a technical exercise but as a profound global responsibility. He emphasised that supply chain disruptions caused by conflict, surging energy demands, and escalating natural disasters necessitate collaboration. Renewable energy, he noted, still accounts for only 24 percent of total global energy consumption. Fossil fuels, meanwhile, continue to constitute approximately 70 percent, revealing a stark implementation gap.

Defining COP31 as an Implementation COP, Kurum argued that the principal obstacle is not insufficient targets but inadequate execution. Turkey has outlined nine priority areas, including the expansion of circular production models through the Zero Waste initiative. Additional priorities encompass reducing methane emissions, combating food waste, and enhancing climate literacy among youth. The integration of young people into decision-making mechanisms was also highlighted as indispensable.

Turkey's alignment with European environmental standards has yielded tangible progress in recent years. The national recycling rate has risen from 30 to 36 percent, with a deposit system being extended across all provinces. Furthermore, Turkey is developing an Emissions Trading System and a Green Taxonomy to strengthen voluntary carbon markets. These measures demonstrate a concerted effort to harmonise domestic policy with broader continental frameworks.

COP31 will convene delegations from 196 countries at the Antalya EXPO Centre from November 9 to 20. Australia will serve as President of Negotiations under an unprecedented shared leadership arrangement agreed at COP30. Kurum urged European partners to intensify their engagement, describing the conference as a symbol of peace and cooperation. Whether this ambitious diplomatic architecture can bridge the widening gap between rhetoric and action remains to be seen.

Comprehension Quiz

Test your understanding of the article with these multiple-choice questions.

1
Where will COP31 primarily take place?
2
What percentage of global energy use does renewable energy currently represent, according to the article?
3
What role will Australia play at COP31?
4
How did Minister Kurum characterise the main challenge in global climate policy?
5
Which audience did Minister Kurum address during his briefing in Ankara?

Discussion

Answer these comprehension questions about the article.

1
According to the article, what dual role does Murat Kurum hold in relation to COP31?
2
The author suggests that the primary challenge facing global climate action is not a lack of targets. What does the article identify as the real obstacle?
3
What evidence does the article provide to support the claim that fossil fuels still dominate global energy consumption?
4
According to the passage, how has Turkey demonstrated its alignment with European environmental standards?
5
What distinguishes the leadership structure of COP31 from that of previous climate conferences?

Further Discussion

Share your opinions on these open-ended questions.

1
To what extent do you believe international climate conferences like COP31 can produce meaningful change, or are they primarily symbolic exercises?
2
Should developing countries bear the same responsibility as industrialised nations in reducing carbon emissions? Justify your position with examples.
3
How might the shared presidency model between Turkey and Australia influence the outcomes of future multilateral negotiations beyond climate policy?
4
In your view, what role should young people play in shaping climate policy, and how can their participation be made more effective?
5
If you were advising a national leader preparing for COP31, what single policy priority would you recommend and why?