Turkey’s coal dependence faces scrutiny as COP31 climate summit begins

Turkey's reliance on coal is facing increased scrutiny as the COP31 climate summit gets underway in Antalya. The country, Europe's largest producer of coal-fired power, generated 34% of its electricity from coal last year, according to Ember. The Akbelen forest in southwestern Mugla province, home to lignite mining operations, has become a focal point for communities demanding that world leaders visit affected areas to assess the environmental damage caused by decades of mining and coal expansion.

While coal remains a critical source of energy for Turkey, the government is proposing a voluntary global electrification target at the summit. However, the transition to cleaner energy faces challenges, as the proposed alternative, nuclear power, would only offset a small portion of the country's current coal-powered output. The Akbelen dispute also raises concerns about restrictions on environmental demonstrations, with local campaigners alleging that authorities have arbitrarily detained and prosecuted protesters, violating their rights to peaceful assembly.

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