Togo attends climate summit amid fossil fuel surge and AI growth

The United Nations climate conference, COP31, has opened in Turkey with a strong call to action. UN Climate Executive Secretary Simon Stiell urged for swift progress, stating that current efforts are "far from being fast enough." The conference comes as the world faces rising temperatures, with 2026 expected to be one of the four hottest years on record. An El Niño event is driving extreme heat, with severe consequences such as heatwaves in Western Europe and a deadly flood in Nepal.

The conference is taking place against a complex backdrop. The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted oil traffic and driven up prices. The US, absent from the negotiations for the second consecutive year, is pushing for increased production of fossil fuels. Several Asian countries, including India and South Korea, have also increased their coal usage. However, Stiell emphasized that renewable energy remains the best solution for energy security.

The Turkish presidency is seeking an agreement from countries to electrify over a third of the global economy by 2035. However, climate advocates criticize this goal, as it does not require the additional electricity to be generated from low-carbon sources. Murat Kurum, president of COP31, stated that the goal is to make the results of climate negotiations tangible in people's daily lives.

The growth of artificial intelligence is adding to the challenge, as it requires significant amounts of electricity. Turkey plans to propose a charter for the sustainable development of AI. Chris Bowen, chair of the negotiations, emphasized that the Paris Agreement is working, but faster progress is needed.

The Togolese delegation is participating in the conference with specific demands. As a coastal country threatened by erosion and climate-related hazards, Togo is advocating for easier access to climate financing for African countries, particularly for adaptation efforts.

According to the UN Environment Programme, the world is on track to exceed the 1.5°C warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement. The consequences of inaction are stark, with 2026 expected to be one of the hottest years on record. The conference aims to accelerate progress, but the challenges are significant.

The conference will need to balance competing interests and priorities. While some countries are pushing for increased fossil fuel production, others are advocating for a rapid transition to renewable energy. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the future of the planet.

Key points

• Togo advocates for easier access to climate financing for African countries.
• The conference aims to accelerate progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The growth of AI and fossil fuel production are complicating the climate negotiations.