350.org Urges Fossil Fuel Phase-Out as COP31 Opens

International climate organization 350.org has called on governments attending COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, to set a clear pathway to phase out fossil fuels, increase climate finance, and accelerate renewable energy deployment. As the UN climate conference opens on 9 November 2026, the organization is urging Türkiye and Australia, which share leadership responsibilities for the summit, to move beyond previous climate commitments and agree on measurable implementation measures. The group also highlighted the combined $56 billion in profits it attributed to BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies during the first nine months of 2026.

 

The organization outlined four priorities for COP31: setting time-bound milestones to transition away from coal, oil and gas; introducing stronger taxes on fossil fuel companies' profits; accelerating renewable electricity generation and electrification; and increasing financial support for developing countries. It argues that continued fossil fuel dependence exposes economies to volatile energy prices while worsening climate risks. The proposed measures would direct more financial resources toward clean energy development, climate adaptation, and communities facing severe environmental impacts.

 

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The demands build on discussions at COP30 in Brazil and the Santa Marta conference in Colombia, where approximately 80 countries supported efforts to advance the transition away from fossil fuels. The COP30 Presidency subsequently published roadmaps outlining approaches to reducing fossil fuel dependence and addressing deforestation. However, these initiatives have not set binding national phase-out deadlines, leaving implementation and financing arrangements among the issues negotiators face in Antalya.

 

Efe Baysal, Türkiye Program Manager at 350.org, said hosting COP31 gives the country an opportunity to advance international climate cooperation while addressing regional challenges, including extreme heat, water stress and wildfires. "We cannot keep treating these impacts as a distant threat." Fenton Lutunatabua, the organization's Pacific and Caribbean Program Manager, also highlighted the need for financial assistance to vulnerable island communities, while East Africa Program Manager Rukiya Khamis called for greater accountability from major polluters and stronger support for climate adaptation.

 

Fanny Petitbon, Policy Analyst at 350.org, said, "COP31 must be where governments stop promising and start delivering." The organization is advocating for stronger financial contributions from fossil fuel companies, expanded electricity grids and energy storage, and greater access to renewable energy. COP31 runs from 9 to 20 November 2026, with negotiations expected to address how countries can translate existing climate commitments into practical national measures.

 

Source: 350.org