The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, today warned of a “global turning point” in the face of the worsening extreme weather phenomena and the risks to energy security, advocating efforts to reduce polluting emissions.
“The world is witnessing the cost of continuing to maintain the current state of things, both for our climate and for our energy security. We are at a global turning point,” declared Ursula von der Leyen.
In a speech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), which is taking place in Antalya, Turkey, Von der Leyen pointed out that “this was the summer of truth,” citing extreme phenomena such as “floods in Nepal, drought from Sudan to Central America, and in Europe, one of the worst wildfire seasons on record.”
“At the same time that the climate crisis is worsening, disruptions to energy supply through the Strait of Hormuz are shaking global energy markets,” she noted, alluding to the consequences of Iran’s war caused by US and Israeli attacks.
In this speech, Ursula von der Leyen noted that “the latest United Nations report is clear,” demonstrating that the world is “on the path to exceeding the 1.5 degrees target and every fraction of a degree counts.”
“Therefore, we must intensify our efforts, and Europe will do its part,” stressed the official.
Von der Leyen highlighted three priorities of the European Union (EU), including meeting climate commitments, accelerating electrification, and strengthening international partnerships.
The head of the European Commission assured that the EU “is on the right track” to meet the 2030 target, having reduced emissions by more than half, and set the goal of achieving a 90% reduction by 2040, on a trajectory to become the first continent with climate neutrality.
Electrification was identified as another priority, with the President of the European Commission advocating support for the Global Electrification Commitment 35 by 2035.
Von der Leyen noted that more than 70% of electricity consumed in the EU last year came from clean sources and that the Electrification Action Plan aims to double the share of electricity in final energy consumption to 46% by 2040.
The official also emphasized the importance of international cooperation, considering that the transition to a clean economy will only succeed if it advances worldwide.
In this regard, she indicated that the EU contributed more than 32 billion euros to support developing countries last year and mobilised more than 300 billion euros in sustainable investments through the Global Gateway initiative.
“The transition to a clean economy is in all our interests,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
COP31, which began on Monday and brings together representatives from almost 200 countries, will run until November 20 in the city of Antalya, Turkey.
