Türkiye regulations · 24 October 2026
COP31 briefing highlights implementation, lower-emission transport and resilient cities
At a media briefing on COP31 preparations, Murat Kurum emphasized implementing existing climate commitments, transport arrangements and investment in infrastructure before disasters.
According to a ministry announcement dated 23 October 2026, COP31 President and Türkiye’s Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum briefed media editors in Istanbul on preparations. He described Türkiye’s presidency approach as turning existing climate promises into action rather than seeking new commitments. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop-birlesmis-milletler-zirvesi-ile-es-diyebilecegimiz-bir-organizasyon-307094)
Implementing existing commitments
Explaining the “Implementation COP” approach, Kurum said the presidency wanted countries to deliver on commitments already made. He said the world remained far from the 1.5-degree goal and highlighted the economic effects of floods, fires and intense rainfall. The announcement presents implementation as the presidency’s policy direction, not as a new binding decision or an adopted negotiating outcome. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop-birlesmis-milletler-zirvesi-ile-es-diyebilecegimiz-bir-organizasyon-307094) Kurum said COP meetings allow 196 countries to share commitments, projects, targets and experience, while examining progress on earlier promises. He emphasized transparency, fairness and justice in the presidency, describing dialogue, consensus and action as complementary means of achieving results. He also stressed the importance of financial support for climate action. [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 ↗Transport preparations and the emissions ambition
Asked about the event’s carbon footprint, Kurum said preparations also considered flight emissions and expressed an ambition for a zero-emission organization. He said transfer and transport vehicles complied with Euro 6 standards and that electric and natural-gas vehicles would be used. He described all 650 new vehicles that had arrived in Antalya as low-emission vehicles. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop-birlesmis-milletler-zirvesi-ile-es-diyebilecegimiz-bir-organizasyon-307094) Kurum also reported that the organization had received a sustainability certificate. However, the article does not identify the certificate, its assessment standard or an emissions-accounting methodology. The zero-emission statement should therefore be understood as the minister’s stated ambition, rather than an achieved and measured outcome. The transport measures are preparations described in support of that ambition. [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 ↗Prioritizing infrastructure before disasters
On resilient cities, Kurum argued that investment before disasters costs less than addressing damage afterward. Citing an inspection following flooding in Istanbul’s Ayazağa area, he said construction of a cultural centre had continued before stream rehabilitation was complete. He identified stormwater channels, stream rehabilitation and wastewater treatment facilities as priority works for preparing cities for climate risks. [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 ↗Cooperation between local and central government
Kurum described climate adaptation as vital and called for municipalities and central government to work together. He emphasized that infrastructure shortcomings can cause loss of life and property. These statements outline preparation priorities and the minister’s approach to governance; the article announces no new effective date, reporting timetable or binding requirement for municipalities or businesses. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop-birlesmis-milletler-zirvesi-ile-es-diyebilecegimiz-bir-organizasyon-307094)
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