Erdogan urges developed nations to boost climate finance at COP31 summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on developed countries Wednesday to take greater responsibility for emissions cuts and climate finance, urging that funds be more accessible, predictable, and tailored to developing nations' needs. Speaking at the COP31 Leaders' Summit in Antalya, Erdogan highlighted challenges like global warming and biodiversity loss, advocating for better access to financing and technology for least-developed countries and small island states. He reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2053 and cited its recycling rate rising from 13% to nearly 40% since 2017. Erdogan also condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza as both "genocide" and "ecocide," citing destruction of olive trees, soil contamination, and flooded shelters, and called for immediate humanitarian aid delivery to the enclave.