Vice President Yılmaz emphasizes renewable energy: We have increased the energy share to over 60 percent

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz attended the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) Leaders' Summit to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belém, Brazil. In his remarks, Yılmaz conveyed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's greetings to the General Assembly and thanked Brazilian President Lula da Silva for the invitation and hosting the event.

Yılmaz emphasized that the world is going through a period of challenges such as rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and exacerbated climate impacts. He said, “At this point, resolving humanitarian crises, especially the Gaza issue, is vital for human development and strengthening global justice. Climate change is no longer just an environmental problem; it has become an increasingly complex global issue that threatens the gains we have achieved so far toward sustainable development goals. Overcoming this global challenge depends on strong international cooperation. Ten years ago, we were united around shared hopes and common goals. Today, it's time to transform those hopes into concrete results and forward-looking policies, and to take concrete steps. As many speeches have emphasized, I want to say 'implementation, implementation, implementation.'”

Vice President Yılmaz stated that the full and timely implementation of the COP29 Finance Agreement, determined within the framework of the Baku to Belém Road Map, is of great importance.

"WE ARE EXPANDING THE ZERO WASTE INITIATIVE BOTH NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY"

Yılmaz stated that while Turkey's historical responsibility is limited, it remains committed to transitioning from ambitious commitments to concrete action to achieve the common goals under the Paris Agreement. He said, "Our country has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the transition to a low-carbon future by adopting a net-zero emissions target by 2053. By implementing our short- and long-term climate strategies, we are resolutely continuing our green transformation process in our main sectors. As of this year, we have increased the share of renewable energy in our total installed capacity to over 60 percent. While increasing the share of renewable energy, we are strengthening energy efficiency and expanding low-carbon technologies and circular economy practices in industry. We are prioritizing rail transportation, accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, and expanding the Zero Waste Initiative at both national and global levels."

In his speech, Yılmaz provided details about Turkey's climate commitments and the steps it has taken. He said, "As our President announced at the Climate Summit in New York, Turkey aims to reduce its emissions target of 695 million tons for 2030 in the previous NDC (National Contribution Declaration) to 643 million tons for 2035 in the new NDC. Furthermore, this year, the Turkish Grand National Assembly passed and enacted our country's first 'Climate Law.' Thanks to this law, we have reached the final stages of our efforts to implement the Emissions Trading System, implement the Green Finance Strategy, and establish the National Green Taxonomy."

"Türkiye IS READY TO ASSUME A BRIDGE ROLE BETWEEN SOUTH AND NORTH IN FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE"

Yılmaz reiterated Turkey's desire to host COP31, saying, "Turkey has declared its candidacy to host COP31 to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening the climate agenda on a global scale. I would particularly like to emphasize Turkey's readiness to play a bridging role between the South and the North in combating climate change."

" In closing, I would like to reiterate our determination as Turkey to continue our cooperation with all parties and the international community for climate action that will be carried out within the framework of the principle of fair, equitable, and common but differentiated responsibility, with the aim of building a more prosperous, resilient, and green world for all," Yılmaz said.