Turkey and Australia urge 35% electricity share by 2035 at pre‑Cop31 talks

In preparatory climate negotiations in Bonn ahead of the UN COP31 summit, Turkey’s environment minister Murat Kurum, a co‑host of the November summit, called for a target that 35 % of final energy consumption come from electricity by 2035. He said electrification of transport, heating, cooling and industry is essential to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Turkey, backed by Australia, which also co‑presides over COP31, presented the proposal as the "most important pillar" for emissions reduction.

The push for broader electrification dominated the two‑week session, while other issues stalled. The UN climate chief Simon Stiell criticised countries for “side‑stepping and stalling,” and noted geopolitical tensions. Delegates from Saudi Arabia, an Arab bloc and India objected to wording that reaffirms climate science and the 1.5 °C target, accusing richer nations of dominating research. Pacific island representatives warned that blocking science threatens vulnerable peoples facing extreme weather.

Negotiators left Bonn with many points unresolved, but the electrification agenda emerged as a key focus ahead of COP31.