Turkey hosts global climate talks while facing criticism over its own environmental record
COP31 opened in Antalya on November 9, 2026, as diplomats gathered to negotiate new agreements while local activists organized a parallel event to challenge the host nation's policies.
By Fatou Kim ·
Thousands of diplomats, corporate executives, and world leaders arrived in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya for the United Nations climate summit. The event, known as COP31, began on November 9, 2026, bringing together nearly every country to negotiate collective agreements on climate change. Turkish officials expressed satisfaction with the prestige the summit brings to the nation, though the gathering coincides with internal debate over the country's environmental progress.
Turkey views the summit as a chance to solidify its status as an emerging global power. The country has recently positioned itself as a mediator in conflicts ranging from Ukraine to Iran. According to Ümit Şahin, head of the climate change program at the Istanbul Policy Center, the primary driver for hosting the event was to showcase Turkey's capabilities as a serious middle power. He described the summit as a display of prestige for the global stage.
Despite this diplomatic push, Şahin noted that Turkey historically delayed participation in international climate agreements. A shift occurred approximately five years ago following deadly domestic wildfires and the pressure of European trade taxes. In 2021, the country ratified the Paris Agreement and created a dedicated climate ministry. However, Şahin argued that these steps resulted in extensive paperwork and strategies without establishing a comprehensive climate policy.
Critics have focused on the Zero Waste campaign as a primary example of what activists call greenwashing. This term describes efforts to present an eco-friendly image while maintaining destructive environmental practices. Şahin pointed out that Turkey imports more plastic waste from Europe than any other nation. He stated that much of this material is burned or dumped rather than recycled. He argued that a sincere commitment to Zero Waste would require banning plastic waste imports first.
Turkish activists are organizing a parallel conference to exert pressure on the delegates. Çiğdem Özbaş, a volunteer at the People's Climate Summit, criticized the government for prioritizing business interests over farmers and rural communities. She accused authorities of stripping local protections and suppressing domestic dissent. Özbaş predicted that the main summit would feature numerous claims about technological solutions from companies engaged in ecological damage.
Sponsors of COP31 have also drawn scrutiny from environmental groups. Limak Holding, an infrastructure firm, is expanding coal mines in areas with ancient olive groves. Sinpaş GYO, a real estate developer, constructed a luxury resort inside a national park. The Turkish Ministry of Climate did not respond to requests for comment regarding these specific criticisms. However, Özlem Katısöz of the Turkey chapter of Climate Action Network Europe viewed the summit as an opportunity for the government to improve its domestic policies to maintain credibility in global discussions.
Katısöz believes hosting the summit forces Turkey to address its own legal frameworks. She sees an opening for civil society to hold the government accountable during the negotiations. The proceedings in Antalya continue as delegates work through the agenda for reducing global warming.
The summit is scheduled to conclude in the coming days, with final agreements expected to be voted on by the assembled nations.
