London Climate Action Week, to be held from June 22-28, will feature a series of programs across different parts of the city.
The Zero Waste Center to be established within this framework will bring together policymakers, the business community, and various stakeholders to address how circular economy principles can be transformed into concrete climate action and to create tangible implementation pathways extending from London to Antalya.
Nick Mabey, Founding Director and CEO of the climate think tank E3G, which laid the foundations for and hosts the secretariat of the 8th London Climate Action Week this year, made evaluations regarding the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Antalya, and the global fight against climate change.
Mabey stated that there are two main focus areas for London Climate Action Week this year, the first being to demonstrate how international cooperation is developing and growing despite geopolitical tensions.
Mabey explained that to achieve this, they brought together UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as former COP presidents, representatives from numerous international organizations, and leaders and ministers from 25 countries, emphasizing that the week would focus on strengthening international cooperation.
Mabey noted that the second important issue is to build confidence in the capacity of the UK and Europe to drive transformation within the scope of climate action, adding that this year they will strive to demonstrate that significant value can be created in clean energy technologies and artificial intelligence.
Mabey stated that they expect broad participation from Turkey in London Climate Action Week, saying, “We expect the participation of the COP31 President from Turkey (Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum) and the COP31 High-Level Climate Champion (Samed Ağırbaş).”
Mabey continued by saying that they eagerly await Turkey’s presentation of its action agenda and framework for COP31 at the opening of London Climate Action Week:
“One of the issues bridging COP31 and London Climate Action Week is the zero waste agenda. This topic is very strongly on Turkey’s agenda. At London Climate Action Week, we are establishing a large zero waste center that includes many events related to food security and food waste, and I know this is very important for Turkey. Zero waste is being addressed as a special focus for the first time this year at London Climate Action Week. We have always had a very strong focus on the circular economy and recycling, but this year, for the first time, we are bringing it all together under one large hub.
Coincidentally, this center is being run by some Turks working in the UK. There is a strong connection between London and Turkey on this issue. There is great excitement to raise the profile of zero waste, because it is incredibly important for transformation, especially in the agricultural sector. Circularity regulations and reuse design policies are also becoming more central in the European Union. Over the next 15 years, I think this agenda will move much higher up.”
Mabey also stated that electrification, announced by Turkey for the COP31 action agenda, will be one of the main topics of the week.
Mabey emphasized that the world is at a critical juncture for accelerating climate action, considering the war in the Middle East and issues in fuel and fertilizer supply, explaining that London Climate Action Week provides a platform for implementing decisions to combat climate change.
Mabey, on the other hand, stated that a lack of confidence in climate action has emerged in Europe and the Atlantic, particularly in English-speaking countries, influenced by the rhetoric of US President Donald Trump.
Mabey noted that in Germany, there is a lack of confidence regarding the capacity to compete with China, yet the transition to clean energy and new technologies continues to be a focus for business investment.
Recalling that the Trump administration withdrew from the fight against climate change, Mabey said, “For 30 years, I have followed climate negotiations, and in half of them, the US was not at the table. Europe is accustomed to leading and progressing in this area, but now it needs to work with actors like South Africa, Brazil, and China, who were not previously accustomed to leadership roles. This is part of a multipolar world. The US accounts for only 12 percent of the global clean economy; the remaining 88 percent is committed to the fight against climate change. The US will eventually need to decarbonize. We are not dependent on the US for economic leadership, but half of the US already has a net-zero emissions target.”
Mabey stated that some other fossil fuel-producing countries are now discussing how to reduce their production and shift economic benefits, and that final oil and gas production is expected to concentrate in Saudi Arabia and Qatar due to their most affordable production.
Mabey said he believes other countries will have to gradually phase out fossil fuels in the next 10-15 years, adding, “I think it’s no longer about targets, but about timing and who wins and loses. There’s no debate about ‘Should we make this transition?’, but ‘When and who will win?'”
Mabey also shared his expectations regarding the decisions of the COP31 summit, which Turkey is chairing and hosting this year, stating that significant progress in clean electrification and energy security at the political level is crucial.
Mabey emphasized the need for progress in climate change adaptation, stating, “Pacific nations and other countries vulnerable to the impacts of climate change have expectations regarding access to finance. Thirdly, it will be important to see all countries submit their Nationally Determined Contributions before COP and strengthen mechanisms to support the next phase. Combating climate change is not just about reducing emissions, but about redesigning the entire economy.”
Mabey added that Turkey, as the host and president of COP31, and Australia, as the negotiation chair, will be closely monitored for their national climate policies within the scope of the roles they have undertaken this year.
