Greenpeace has called on leaders arriving for the UN climate talks COP31 to pick up the challenge laid down by UN Secretary-General Guterres and ramp up the urgency of their action with clear and credible commitments and roadmaps to end fossil fuels.
As the Brazil Presidency launched its legacy COP30 roadmap for the transition away from fossil fuels on day two of COP31, Guterres called on leaders to build their own "concrete national roadmaps".[1] His remarks came as the focus shifted to COP31 Presidents Türkiye and Australia and the contradiction between their reliance on fossil fuels and their actions in Antalya.
Leaders arriving at COP31 will now need to show they are prepared to act more swiftly after the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said the world is entering a "new age of climate extremes" and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) declared a 1.5°C overshoot is already locked in.[2][3]
Emel Türker Alpay, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace Türkiye, said: "A Presidency's legacy is measured in how they move the world from rhetoric to action. President Kurum has said that cutting fossil fuel use will be a measure of this COP's success and we will hold the Presidency to that standard!
"Türkiye must ensure the Brazil COP30 roadmap serves as a catalyst for more ambition and urgent action at COP31 and beyond. It also means leading by example at home. Türkiye's new 2040 energy plan bets on electrification, but keeps coal, oil and gas in the mix with no exit date.
"The Presidency's electrification target is the right direction, but it is not a goal in itself. It only serves to keep the 1.5°C target alive if it drives renewable-based electrification that actively displaces fossil fuels as part of an equitable, affordable and people-centred transition.
"A host country with no planned coal phase-out and transitioning away from fossil fuels cannot lead the transition from the sidelines. Türkiye must announce the coal phase-out date and start planning the roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels. Antalya can be the COP where the fossil fuel roadmap starts delivering, if the Presidency chooses to lead."
Dr Simon Bradshaw, COP31 lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: "As leaders meet in Türkiye amidst a global energy shock and soaring temperatures, the stakes have never been higher. The success of COP31 will be judged by whether it delivers real action and momentum to phase out fossil fuels. Brazil laid the ground, it's now up to Australia to take the baton and run hard.
"Australia must step up and lead the way through developing a national roadmap away from fossil fuels, and as President of Negotiations, ensure COP31 delivers concrete plans and time-bound action. Australia cannot drop the ball on this, with the looming threat of 1.5°C overshoot and the future of entire nations in the balance."
Anna Cárcamo, Climate Politics Specialist at Greenpeace Brazil said: "The launch of the COP30 fossil fuels roadmap has helped renew hope, turning the COP28 promise to transition away from fossil fuels into a roadmap the world can act on through continued dialogue, but likewise we cannot waste another moment. COP31 is now the place to decide how and when that transition will take place.
"The COP30 roadmap is already encouraging countries to develop their own national roadmaps, address the phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies and implement tax reforms - measures essential for ensuring an effective, equitable, and well-funded transition. This includes Brazil, which must craft a national roadmap consistent with these recommendations.
"Leaders from several countries called for action from countries starting now and the continuity of implementation of this agenda here at COP31. We need continuous action at this COP and beyond to stay on path to a livable future."
