Türkiye regulations · 26 October 2026
COP31 preparations emphasise implementation, lower-emission transport and adaptation
At an Istanbul media briefing, Murat Kurum outlined an implementation-focused COP31 presidency and discussed transport preparations, urban infrastructure and recycling.
According to a ministry article dated 23 October 2026, COP31 President and Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum met media editors-in-chief in Istanbul. Presenting Türkiye’s preparations, he described implementing existing climate commitments as a central approach of the presidency. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop-birlesmis-milletler-zirvesi-ile-es-diyebilecegimiz-bir-organizasyon-307094)
Implementation rather than new pledges
Explaining the “Implementation COP” approach, Kurum said the aim was to put existing promises into practice rather than seek new commitments. He said the world remained far from the 1.5-degree goal and highlighted the economic effects of floods and fires. He emphasised dialogue, consensus and action throughout the presidency, alongside financial support for climate action. These are presidency objectives and political appeals presented at the briefing; the article reports no newly adopted international decision or binding requirement arising from them. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop-birlesmis-milletler-zirvesi-ile-es-diyebilecegimiz-bir-organizasyon-307094)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗650 vehicles for transport preparations
Asked about the event’s carbon footprint, Kurum said 650 new lower-emission vehicles had arrived in Antalya. He referred to Euro 6 standards, electric vehicles and natural-gas vehicles in discussing transfers and transport. Sustainability considerations extended from hotels to transport, he said, including emissions associated with guests arriving by air. He expressed an ambition for a zero-emission event, but the article provides no total emissions inventory, quantified reduction or result demonstrating that this ambition has been achieved. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop-birlesmis-milletler-zirvesi-ile-es-diyebilecegimiz-bir-organizasyon-307094)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Infrastructure priorities for resilient cities
Kurum described climate-resilient cities as a presidency agenda topic and stressed investment before disasters occur. Citing an inspection following flooding in Istanbul’s Ayazağa district, he said construction of a cultural centre had continued while stream rehabilitation remained unfinished. He argued that municipal priorities should include stormwater channels, wastewater treatment plants and stream rehabilitation. He also called for cooperation between local and central government, focusing on addressing infrastructure gaps before disasters and reducing the damage they cause. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop-birlesmis-milletler-zirvesi-ile-es-diyebilecegimiz-bir-organizasyon-307094)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Recycling and material recovery
On the circular economy, Kurum linked the deposit-bearing packaging system and Zero Waste work to recovering materials for production. He said the recovery rate for cardboard, metal, glass and PET bottles had risen from 13% to 39%. Increasing recycling was intended to help meet domestic raw-material needs, he added. These figures are attributed to the minister’s statement. The article sets out neither a new implementation timetable for the recovery ambitions nor details of new obligations for businesses. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop-birlesmis-milletler-zirvesi-ile-es-diyebilecegimiz-bir-organizasyon-307094)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Related news
Ministry says solar now supplies 90% of electricity for its central buildings ↗
Renewables reach 63.1% of Türkiye’s installed electricity capacity ↗
Türkiye-Slovakia JETCO talks explore environmental and water cooperation ↗