Complicating Turkey’s COP31 Bid
The candidacy of Turkey for the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) is facing significant challenges. Ankara’s recent diplomatic distancing from the West, coupled with mounting democratic backsliding, are major concerns that could jeopardize Turkey’s chances of securing the hosting rights.
Mounting Democratic Backsliding
Recent events in Turkey have highlighted the erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law. The arrest of Erdo?an’s leading political rival, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, on spurious charges, has been widely condemned as a politically motivated move. This is just one example of the ongoing democratic backsliding in Turkey.
Experts argue that this undermines Turkey’s credibility as a host for the COP31, as it raises concerns about the country’s ability to protect human rights and uphold international law.
As Ümit?ahin, a prominent Turkish climate expert and the coordinator of climate change studies at the Istanbul Policy Center, notes, “Turkey needs to move beyond seemingly logical reasons such as fossil fuels or carbon footprints and instead make a fully political intervention, which perhaps could be an argument that Turkey will further align itself with the West.”
?ahin emphasizes that as long as these steps are not taken, EU support cannot be secured, and it seems very difficult for Turkey to win the bid.
EU Support and the Southern Gas Corridor
Turkey’s ability to secure EU support for its COP31 bid is crucial. The EU is seeking to bolster its energy security, and Turkey is well-positioned to assist through the Southern Gas Corridor and renewed high-level dialogue.
However, ongoing concerns over democratic backsliding cast a shadow over Turkey’s credibility as a host. The EU may be hesitant to support Turkey due to its human rights record and democratic institutions.
Despite this,?ahin believes that Turkey has valuable cards to play, including its strategic location and expertise in the energy sector.
“As long as Turkey can demonstrate that it is committed to the principles of democracy and human rights, it can use its influence to promote these values in the region,”?ahin notes.
Support from Civil Society and Climate Organizations
Interestingly, Turkish civil society organizations, which have come under growing pressure from Erdo?an’s regime in recent years, are generally supportive of the government’s COP31 bid.
These organizations argue that hosting the summit could push Turkey toward adopting more decisive climate policies.
“Securing COP31 could encourage Turkey to take more concrete steps, such as phasing out coal and enacting stronger environmental protections,” says?ahin.
Environmental organizations, including Greenpeace, have also voiced support for Turkey’s bid, with Berkan Özyer, program director of Greenpeace Mediterranean, commenting that hosting COP31 could give Turkey’s climate movement a much-needed boost by encouraging bolder decision-making.
Australia’s COP31 Bid
Australia has experienced a hiccup in its COP31 bid since the UN climate summit in Baku. Some elements within the country’s coalition government believe hosting a global summit would not be a wise expenditure of taxpayer funds.
However, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen sought to tamp down speculation that Australia might back out. “We are bidding to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific because it is in Australia’s national interest to bring down energy bills and emissions with reliable renewables while safeguarding our international relationships,” the AAP quoted Bowen as saying.
It is worth noting that Australia’s bid is also driven by a desire to promote its own climate policies and to demonstrate its commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Turkey’s chances of securing the hosting rights for COP31 depend on its ability to demonstrate its commitment to democratic values and human rights.
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