Essay by Eric Worrall
“COP30 was not sufficiently successful …”
COP31 offers new opportunity after COP30 conference failures, says climate expert
By Anadolu Agency
January 08, 2026 03:12 AM GMT+03:00Climate policy expert Umit Sahin said climate issues that failed to gain traction at last year’s global talks could advance at COP31, which will be hosted and chaired by Türkiye.
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He described COP30 as a weakened conference, citing the absence of the United States after President Donald Trump withdrew the country from the Paris Agreement and took steps against renewable energy policies.
Although Brazil framed the summit as an “Amazon COP,” Sahin said it failed to deliver a concrete roadmap to reverse deforestation.
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COP31 was awarded to Türkiye following negotiations led by Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, and will be hosted and chaired by the country next year.
Sahin said competition between Australia and Türkiye during the bidding process raised expectations for COP31, which he described as potentially ambitious and distinctive.
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“COP30 was not sufficiently successful on deforestation,” Sahin said, adding that Türkiye could take a leading role on the issue at COP31.
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Read more: https://www.turkiyetoday.com/lifestyle/cop31-offers-new-opportunity-after-cop30-conference-failures-says-climate-expert-3212549
What on Earth is a climate change juror? From Ümit Şahin’s university bio;
Ümit Şahin
Climate Change JurorÜmit Şahin is Senior Scholar and the Coordinator of Climate Change Studies at Istanbul Policy Center. Şahin teaches Global Climate Change and Environmental Politics at Sabanci University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He is also Mercator-IPC Fellowship Program Climate Change Juror.
Together with Ömer Madra, Şahin is the producer and host of the Open Green radio programme on Açık Radio. In addition, he edits and writes on ecology issues for the Green Newspaper and serves as a project advisor for the Green Thought Foundation.
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His book, Why We Can’t Wait: Global Warming and Climate Crisis is based on interviews that Şahin conducted in conjunction with Ömer Madra …
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Read more: https://ipc.sabanciuniv.edu/en/umit-sahin-1c648d
Something to do with the Mercator-IPC fellowship programme?
2025/26 MERCATOR-IPC FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM GUIDELINES
The Mercator-IPC Fellowship Program, a key component of the Istanbul Policy Center-Sabancı University-Stiftung Mercator Initiative, is designed to create a dynamic and engaging environment for international scholars, journalists, professionals, and civil society activists. At its core, the program aims to strengthen academic, political, and social ties between Turkey and Germany, as well as Turkey and Europe, by supporting exceptional scientific research and practical policy work.
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The program emphasizes the following thematic areas:
EU/German-Turkish relations
Climate changeHosted by the Istanbul Policy Center (IPC), an independent policy research institute with global outreach located in downtown Istanbul, the program offers access to a rich network of academics, civil society activists, and decision makers. IPC, … This affiliation grants them full access to Sabancı University’s extensive intellectual resources and scientific knowledge, enriching their fellowship experience with a wealth of academic and research opportunities.
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The fellows are selected based on the in-person interviews conducted by an international jury consisting of eminent experts from the two thematic areas.
The jury team is composed of jurors from both thematic areas. Subsequently, the jurors, IPC Director, and a representative of Stiftung Mercator convene for a final meeting to select the fellows. The following questions are essential to the jury’s decision:
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Read more: https://ipc.sabanciuniv.edu/Content/Images/CKeditorImages/20250113-09014378.pdf
This Turkish climate activist, whose main current claim to fame appears to be serving on the board of a college grant committee as a “climate juror”, thinks Turkey can tame President Trump’s USA, and convince Middle Eastern oil giants to sign a COP31 fossil fuel economic suicide pact.
But perhaps I’m being too hasty. Because Turkey is going to have help.
The COP31 president of negotiations is going to be Australia’s own Chris Bowen, the guy who thinks you can store electricity like water.
With a lineup of talent like this, how could COP31 possibly be a dismal failure, like all the previous climate conferences?
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