COP31: Electrification takes center stage at Antalya climate talks

The COP31 climate conference opened Monday in Antalya, Turkey, with electrification as its central theme, as co-presidents Turkey and Australia push for a global commitment to make electricity 35% of world energy demand by 2035, up from 23% today. UN climate chief Simon Stiell framed the choice as "electricity or shocks," arguing nations must reorganize the global economy for the electric era or continue suffering fossil fuel costs. On Tuesday's energy-focused day, early voluntary commitments were announced, including a new coalition of governments, development banks, and private firms to unlock clean electrification investments. A "global declaration on rooftop solar" was also signed. The push comes amid an ongoing global energy crisis, with leaders seeking to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels through expanded electricity use.