Türkiye Targets COP31 to Accelerate Green Investment and Industrial Change
Liam O'Connor | AA
Türkiye is leveraging COP31 to attract green investment and propel its industrial transformation, focusing extensively on renewable energy manufacturing, electric mobility, and recycling initiatives.
Türkiye regards COP31 as a significant opportunity to attract international green investment and expedite its industrial shift towards sustainability, officials said on Friday. The emphasis at this milestone event will be on enhancing areas such as renewable energy manufacturing, electric mobility, and recycling initiatives.
Speaking at the Investment Summit Towards COP31 in Istanbul, Ahmet Burak Daglioglu, president of Türkiye’s Investment and Finance Office, noted the conference's role in showcasing the nation's investment potential to global stakeholders. He stressed the importance of effectively communicating Türkiye’s green transition endeavors to obtain international partnerships.
Increased Focus on Climate-Friendly Investments
Climate-friendly investments are central to Türkiye’s international direct investment strategy up to 2028, which already includes 94 initiatives, according to Daglioglu. The strategic plan entails assessing and scoring projects based on sustainability principles to ensure environmental alignment.
Beyond fostering renewable energy sources, Türkiye plans to manufacture the necessary equipment for this transition, boasting Europe's largest solar panel production capacity and an expansive wind energy equipment ecosystem. The country's automotive policies further support this shift, with expansions in battery production and transformation of existing manufacturers, complemented by the entry of new electric vehicle producers like Togg.
Green Development as an Economic Driver
Mehmet Emin Birpinar, Türkiye’s special representative for COP31, highlighted that climate action should be seen as an economic opportunity rather than a barrier to development. He paralleled green development with past industrialization waves and warned that failing to adapt could hinder Türkiye's growth trajectory.
Emphasizing emission reductions alongside infrastructure and economic adaptations, Birpinar pointed out how rising cooling demands signal increased energy consumption and potential emissions when reliant on fossil fuels. The direction of global financing flows supports the shift towards sustainable development.
Urban Impact and Policy Frameworks
As Türkiye advances its industrial transformation, urban governance will play a critical role in navigating the intersection of policy and practical implementation. Municipal leaders must consider innovative policies to support the shift toward green technologies and promote sustainable economic growth.
This push for sustainable industry and green investment positions cities as central actors in implementing national strategies. Urban areas can serve as test beds for new initiatives, helping to scale climate-friendly practices and support regional development while aligning with national goals and international commitments.
The emphasis on industrial transformation will demand robust municipal plans to incorporate new technologies and sustainable practices. Urban areas stand to gain from improved air quality and reduced emissions, but achieving these targets requires inclusive policies and support from national and local governments.
Questions That Matter
What is Türkiye's goal for COP31?
Türkiye aims to use COP31 to attract international green investment and accelerate its industrial transformation. Officials emphasize opportunities in renewable energy manufacturing, electric mobility, and recycling as key areas of focus.
What are Türkiye's recycling targets?
Under Türkiye's Zero Waste initiative, 90 million tons of waste have been recycled with a recovery rate of about 37%. The goal is to increase this rate to 60% by 2035.