COP31 President Murat Kurum calls for concrete climate action

Murat Kurum, the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and President of COP31, emphasized the urgent need for concrete action regarding climate change during high-level meetings in Geneva. Speaking at a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) session and an International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) dialogue, Kurum stated that the era of mere discussion must end, noting that the world has spent ten years in consultation and must now move toward decision-making.

A central theme of his addresses was the importance of strengthening early warning systems to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. Kurum highlighted that climate change is no longer a future risk but a current reality affecting livelihoods, cities, and health systems, citing recent disasters in Nepal as an example.

As the host of COP31 in Antalya, Kurum expressed the goal of bridging the gap between global climate targets and local realities. He stressed that the presidency's approach focuses on dialogue, consensus, and implementation, ensuring that climate policies, financing, and warnings reach the most vulnerable communities effectively.