COP31 Begins in Antalya Amid Greenwashing Criticism

The United Nations climate summit, known as COP31, opened on November 9 in Antalya, Turkey. The event draws thousands of diplomats, corporate executives, and world leaders to the Mediterranean resort city. Turkish officials view the hosting role as a key moment to establish the country as a serious global power and add climate leadership to its diplomatic portfolio.

Turkey ratified the Paris Agreement in 2021 and created a dedicated ministry for climate issues. However, experts note that the nation previously delayed joining international climate accords for decades. Ümit Şahin, head of the climate change program at the Istanbul Policy Center, stated that the primary driver for hosting the summit was prestige. He described the event as a showcase for Turkey's capabilities as a middle power.

Critics argue that domestic action has not kept pace with international commitments. Şahin pointed out that while Turkey has action plans and strategies, it lacks a cohesive real climate policy. He highlighted the Zero Waste campaign, a national initiative aimed at recycling or reusing all waste materials. According to Şahin, Turkey imports more European plastic waste than any other nation but often burns or dumps the material instead of recycling it. He called the campaign the country's number one example of greenwashing, or presenting an eco-friendly image while covering destructive practices.

Turkish environmental activists are organizing a parallel conference to apply pressure on the summit participants. Çiğdem Özbaş, a volunteer at the People's Climate Summit, accused the Turkish government of favoring business interests over farmers and rural communities. She predicted that many corporate sponsors would engage in greenwashing. Activists specifically cited Limak Holding, an infrastructure company expanding coal mines on ancient olive groves, and real estate developer Sinpaş GYO, which built a luxury resort inside a national park.

Özlem Katısöz, who represents the Turkey chapter of Climate Action Network Europe, offered a more hopeful perspective. She believes hosting the summit creates an opportunity for civil society to hold the government accountable. Katısöz argued that Turkey must improve its domestic climate policies to have a credible voice in global discussions.

The Turkish Ministry of Climate did not respond to requests for comment regarding the criticism. A promotional video released by the ministry features images of mist in forests and majestic mountains, with a narrator asking how long the country can protect the air it breathes.

The summit will continue in Antalya as delegates negotiate collective agreements on climate change. The event marks the first time the annual gathering has been hosted by Turkey, a country with a mixed record on environmental protection and international treaty participation.