Growing fossil fuel industry influence at the COP31 climate summit in Antalya has sparked sharp criticism from activists, questioning whether polluters or public interest shape global climate talks.
Transparency International revealed that COP31 president Australia and the European Union include significant fossil fuel and business representation within their official delegations.
Out of 218 business participants in Australia’s delegation, 43 delegates across 23 organisations have direct links to the fossil fuel sector.
Meanwhile, EU member states registered 780 business delegates, with roughly 70 per cent holding senior positions and 98 per cent using overflow badges.
Transparency International noted a severe disclosure gap, as 19 per cent of all national delegates withheld their relationship with nominating entities.
Climate lead Brice Böhmer warned that unclear delegate affiliations prevent the public from knowing whether financial interests or public welfare drive climate policy.
Fill the Fund convener Harjeet Singh condemned Australia’s conflict of interest, stating the summit president gave polluters a front-row seat instead of demanding accountability.
Singh urged Australia to immediately expel fossil fuel lobbyists, enforce strict conflict rules, and make polluting companies pay for escalating climate damages.
Simultaneously, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Brazilian President Lula Da Silva urged nations to adopt Brazil’s new global roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels.
However, experts highlighted contradictions as state-run giants like Brazil’s Petrobras plan massive oil investments, while host Turkey celebrated discovering new oil fields this week.
Beyond Fossil Fuels campaigner Anna McGurk criticised Turkey and Australia for offering lukewarm responses to the roadmap and missing a vital leadership opportunity.
Amid the controversy, the COP31 Business Forum convened 600 executives, highlighted by a $15 billion Turkey-China agreement to boost solar, wind, and energy storage capacity.
🌐 Stay Connected with The Avenue Mail
Get the latest news and breaking updates delivered instantly to your feed.
🟢Join our WhatsApp Group: Click here to join
📢 The Avenue Mail: Your trusted source for real-time news.
