The host of this year’s United Nations climate summit has called for a major acceleration in the electrification of transport, buildings and industry, arguing that a larger share of global energy consumption should come from electricity within the next decade to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Turkey’s environment minister Murat Kurum, who will preside over the COP31 climate conference in November alongside Australia, said the world should aim for electricity to provide 35% of final energy demand by 2035. Electricity currently accounts for about 20% of final energy use worldwide.

The proposal was presented as part of discussions among governments preparing priorities for the COP31 summit, which will be held in Antalya, Turkey.Electricity already represents a significant share of global power generation, with around one-third of electricity produced from renewable sources.

However, major energy-consuming sectors including transport, heating and heavy industry remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels.Nearly four-fifths of final energy consumption still comes from fossil fuels, according to current global energy patterns, leaving many economies dependent on coal, oil and gas for everyday activities and industrial production.

Kurum said expanding electrification across the economy would help accelerate the transition toward a lower-carbon energy system.He argued that replacing fossil fuel use with electricity in areas such as vehicles, buildings and manufacturing could reduce exposure to unstable energy markets while supporting climate goals.

The call came as governments gathered in Bonn for climate negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The meetings are focused on shaping the agenda and priorities for COP31.Australia’s climate change minister Chris Bowen, speaking alongside Kurum and UN climate chief Simon Stiell, said electrification and investment in clean energy had become central themes in early discussions.

Bowen said reducing fossil fuel dependence could help address both climate-related disasters and concerns over energy security.He pointed to examples ranging from industrial electrification in major manufacturing economies to clean cooking initiatives in African communities and renewable energy projects replacing diesel power in Pacific island nations.Renewable energy, he said, had become increasingly competitive as technology costs declined.

The push for electrification comes as countries face renewed concerns over energy prices and supply security. Recent geopolitical tensions, including the Iran war, have contributed to volatility in fossil fuel markets and pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.Electric vehicles and heat pumps are among the technologies already available to support electrification.

However, adoption rates vary widely between countries due to differences in infrastructure, investment levels and government policy.Supporters of electrification argue that replacing direct fossil fuel use with electricity generated from renewable sources can significantly reduce emissions. However, the climate benefits depend on the carbon intensity of electricity systems and the pace at which renewable capacity expands.

The COP31 discussions are expected to focus on practical measures for increasing clean energy deployment, strengthening energy resilience and supporting countries as they transition away from fossil fuels.Kurum said the proposed 35% electricity target would be a central priority of Turkey’s COP31 presidency.

The summit will bring together governments seeking to balance emissions reductions with economic development, energy security and the need to adapt to increasingly severe climate impacts.

The COP30 Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil, has become a beacon of global unity as nations prepare to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Despite speculation about the United States’ participation, countries remain optimistic about achieving meaningful progress through dialogue and collaboration.

Governments from around the world have arrived in Brazil with renewed determination to protect the planet. They are ready to advance sustainable solutions that will secure a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.

This year’s summit highlights the importance of cooperation among nations, industries, and communities. It marks a defining moment for countries to reaffirm their shared responsibility in reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.

World leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, have emphasized that global climate action cannot be delayed. They call on all nations, regardless of political stance, to work together in the spirit of multilateralism and peace.

Countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas have pledged to strengthen the Paris Agreement goals. They are committed to developing innovative strategies to limit global warming, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable economic growth.

China has expressed strong support for multilateral climate cooperation, reinforcing its role in the global transition toward clean energy.
Its continued leadership in renewable industries such as solar panels and electric batteries demonstrates how nations can benefit economically from going green.

South American nations hosting the event, particularly Brazil, have taken pride in welcoming the world to the heart of the Amazon. The setting symbolizes hope and resilience, reminding all participants of the importance of protecting vital ecosystems.

Experts believe that COP30 will showcase how collective willpower can overcome political differences. The conference’s agenda includes discussions on climate finance, green technologies, and protection against extreme weather events.

While debates over energy policies continue, the overall tone of the summit remains one of optimism and cooperation. Delegates from across the world have expressed confidence that progress can be achieved through mutual understanding and shared innovation.

Businesses and environmental organizations are also playing a key role in shaping sustainable solutions. From clean energy startups to international non-profits, the summit has become a global platform for creative partnerships and new environmental commitments.

Countries like Norway, Japan, and South Korea have reaffirmed their dedication to clean energy investments and environmental protection. Their combined efforts aim to accelerate global decarbonization and encourage innovation in green industries.

Belem has transformed into a hub of global collaboration, where hope replaces division and vision replaces doubt. Nations are united by the belief that sustainable development is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity.

This cooperative spirit stands as a testament to how the world can rise above differences and work together for a better tomorrow. Through partnership, persistence, and progress, COP30 is shaping up to be a landmark event for climate diplomacy and global unity.

The focus is no longer on what divides countries but on what binds them — the shared goal of protecting our planet. As world leaders and citizens alike look ahead, COP30 serves as a reminder that collective action remains humanity’s greatest tool in facing the climate challenge.