Greta Thunberg criticises industry lobbying at COP31 in Turkey
The Swedish activist returned to the climate talks for the first time since 2021, as Antonio Guterres called for taxes on oil companies’ windfall profits.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg accused annual climate summits of giving host governments a platform to improve their image and allowing destructive industries to influence negotiations. Arriving at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, she called on leaders to prioritise people and the planet over corporate earnings and political power.
Her attendance marks her first appearance at the talks since Glasgow in 2021. Thunberg said climate change threatens people and the things they value, arguing that protecting the wider population should take precedence over preserving the wealth and influence of a small minority.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres separately urged governments to impose taxes on oil companies’ windfall profits. Addressing leaders at the conference, he accused fossil fuel interests of distorting science and delaying policy, action and accountability. This is his final COP before his term finishes in December.
The negotiations continue until 20 November, with electrification and cutting waste expected to feature prominently. Turkey wants electricity to provide 35 per cent of worldwide energy consumption by 2035, compared with the current 23 per cent, preferably using renewable generation. Turkey and fellow host Australia are promoting renewables, although both remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for electricity.
