Ankara:Turkey has announced the commencement of oil drilling at two new fields during the COP 31 climate change summit, which it is hosting. These fields have a combined production capacity of more than 100,000 barrels per day.
According to Thai News Agency, the announcement by Turkish leaders has been met with dissatisfaction from various quarters. Critics argue that Turkey's decision to begin oil extraction during the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change contradicts global efforts to reduce fossil fuel use and promote renewable energy.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan revealed that crude oil production has started at the newly discovered oil fields in Cernak province in southeastern Turkey. He stated that production is expected to surpass 100,000 barrels per day next year and emphasized that the oil from this region is of high quality, with production capacity anticipated to rise by 30 percent.
Meanwhile, as COP 31 progresses into its third day, global leaders continue to address the pressing issue of climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Turkey and Australia, co-hosts of the summit, to transition from discussions to concrete actions to phase out fossil fuel use. He highlighted the environmental and economic consequences of oil dependence, referencing the Iran-Iran conflict's impact.
Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry commended China for its leadership in renewable energy and encouraged the world, including the United States, to follow China's example in reducing fossil fuel reliance. He stressed the urgency of taking action to combat climate change, emphasizing that mere words are insufficient to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The COP conference is under increasing pressure to achieve tangible outcomes amidst ongoing criticism of insufficient progress. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg expressed her frustration, noting that COP has become more of a spectacle than a genuine environmental effort.