Amnesty International has escalated calls for decisive climate actions, targeting the phase-out of fossil fuels ahead of the upcoming COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye. The plea arrives amidst the UN Environment Programme’s alarming forecast that global warming is likely to exceed 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. This situation demands urgent policy shifts, as highlighted by Marta Schaaf, Amnesty’s programme director for climate, economic and social justice, and corporate accountability.
The significance of limiting the scale and duration of temperature overshoots cannot be overstated. Schaaf emphasized the critical need for world leaders to engage in bold and strategic climate actions during the conference, which runs from November 9 to 20. The focus should be on reducing the overshoot and implementing protective measures for vulnerable populations according to a recent report.
Amnesty’s call includes an appeal to end the expansion of fossil fuels and the cessation of taxpayer-funded subsidies for the industry. The organization underscores the necessity of an equitable transition to renewable energy that respects the rights of workers, Indigenous peoples, and affected communities. These efforts should avoid burdening lower-income countries with increased debt.
There is also a critical need to address financial obligations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement. Amnesty is advocating for increased grants to facilitate emissions reductions and climate adaptation efforts. This comes alongside criticism of Türkiye’s dependence on coal and its plans to boost gas production. Similarly, Australia’s prominent role in exporting coal and liquefied natural gas has been highlighted as a concern.
The conference will have Australia leading negotiations, while Türkiye faces scrutiny regarding its commitment to allowing peaceful protest and ensuring that participants can engage freely without fear of reprisals, as reported in an Al Jazeera article.
The intensity of this global dialogue indicates a critical juncture in climate policy, where the actions taken, or lack thereof, could significantly shape environmental and socio-economic trajectories for decades to come.