Algerian President Tebboune Calls for Climate Action at COP 31 Summit

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed the COP 31 summit in Antalya, Turkey, calling on global leaders to turn climate commitments into tangible actions. He emphasized the need for international cooperation based on justice and equity, while defending the right of developing countries to balance energy transition and development imperatives. Tebboune's remarks were delivered by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb.

Tebboune stressed that respecting climate financing commitments, particularly in adaptation, technology transfer, and capacity building, is crucial to raising ambition levels. He warned against unilateral trade measures disguised as climate concerns, stating that climate should not be used as a pretext for such practices. The President also highlighted the importance of the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," which considers national development trajectories, specificities, and state sovereignty.

The Algerian President noted that ten years after the Paris Agreement, global climate action remains insufficient. Citing the first global evaluation, he stated that collective efforts to address climate change fall short of set objectives. Tebboune also emphasized that the financing gap remains a pressing concern, equal to the emission reduction deficit. Algeria shares the COP 31 presidency's approach, aiming to make the summit a "implementation" meeting, transforming announced commitments into concrete results.

Tebboune highlighted Algeria's vulnerability to climate change, with a significant portion of its territory located in arid and semi-arid zones. He cited desertification, recurring droughts, and expanding forest fire areas as primary manifestations of this vulnerability. The President emphasized that climate change poses a significant threat to Algeria's water and food security. In response, Algeria has placed climate action at the heart of its public policies, with a constantly evolving institutional and planning framework.

The President defended a clear and unequivocal position on development and climate action, stating that they are not mutually exclusive. He advocated for a smooth and gradual transition, accompanied by support from the Paris Agreement. Algeria has submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), targeting a 14% unconditional emission reduction by 2035, entirely financed by national resources. The country is willing to increase this target to 31% with international financial support.

Tebboune outlined Algeria's efforts to reduce emissions, including launching a program to reach 15,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2035, financed nationally. He also mentioned adopting a national hydrogen strategy and initiatives in energy efficiency, collective transportation, and methane emission reduction. The President emphasized that preserving water resources is essential to Algeria's adaptation strategy, including desalination, wastewater reuse, and reviving the Green Dam project.

In conclusion, Tebboune called for collective mobilization, stating that no country can address the climate challenge alone. He advocated for cooperation based on a spirit of justice and equity, ensuring that climate action honors commitments and leaves no one behind. Algeria will remain an engaged partner in this effort, committed to its responsibility towards future generations.

Key points

• Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune urges global leaders to translate climate commitments into action at COP 31 summit.
• Tebboune emphasizes the need for international cooperation based on justice and equity.
• Algeria aims to reduce emissions by 31% with international financial support.