The 31st Conference of the Parties on climate change, or COP31, kicked off in Antalya, Turkey, on November 9, 2026, with a renewed focus on electrification as a key strategy to combat the climate crisis. The conference comes at a critical time, with the global energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict highlighting the need for a shift away from fossil fuels. According to the United Nations, the world is currently on track for a 2.8°C temperature rise by 2100 if no significant changes are made.
This year's COP31 is seen as an opportunity for countries to make significant strides in reducing their dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. Gaïa Febvre, international policy expert at Réseau action climat, notes that the current energy crisis has raised awareness about the risks of relying on fossil fuels. The Australian and Turkish governments, which are co-chairing the conference, have proposed an initiative called "35-35," aiming to increase the share of electricity in final energy consumption to 35% by 2035.
The proposed target is seen as a crucial step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the goals set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Murat Kurum, Turkish Minister of Environment, emphasized that electrification is essential for reducing emissions and achieving more ambitious climate goals. Chris Bowen, Australian Minister for Energy and Climate Change, also highlighted the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources, citing the example of solar energy and its potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The electrification agenda is set to be discussed on November 10, with the COP presidency calling on countries to voluntarily commit to the 35-35 target. Several countries, including those in the European Union, have already expressed their support for the initiative. However, the road ahead will require significant investment and cooperation from both developed and developing countries. Gareth Redmond-King, international expert at Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, notes that while some countries have made significant progress in increasing their electrification, others still have a long way to go.
According to data from the International Energy Agency, electricity accounted for 23% of final energy consumption in 2024. Some countries, such as Japan, have already achieved the 35% target, while others, like China, are close to reaching it. The European Union and the United States are currently at 23% and 22%, respectively. In France, which has recently presented a comprehensive electrification plan, electricity accounts for around 27% of final energy consumption.
While the 35% target by 2035 seems achievable, experts stress that it will require significant political will and investment. An analysis by Climate Action Tracker suggests that, if current policies are maintained, the share of electricity in energy consumption is likely to reach 28% by 2035. However, this will not be enough to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Gaïa Febvre emphasizes that a just transition will require developed countries to support developing countries and for the private sector to mobilize.
The impact of increased electrification on the climate crisis will depend on the ambition and commitment of countries, as well as the source of the electricity generated. Febvre and Redmond-King stress that the focus should be on renewable energy sources, rather than fossil fuels or nuclear power. The outcome of the COP31 negotiations will be closely watched, as the world looks for concrete actions to address the climate crisis.
Key points
- The 35-35 initiative aims to increase the share of electricity in final energy consumption to 35% by 2035.
- The transition to electrification will require significant investment and cooperation from both developed and developing countries.
- The focus should be on renewable energy sources, rather than fossil fuels or nuclear power, to effectively address the climate crisis.
