Turkey’s coal dependence faces scrutiny as COP31 climate summit begins

Turkey’s reliance on coal is facing renewed scrutiny ahead of the COP31 climate summit, as communities affected by mining operations urge world leaders to examine the environmental damage linked to the country’s largest electricity source.

The United Nations climate conference begins Monday in Antalya and runs through November 20, with the transition toward cleaner energy among the central issues under discussion.

Residents of Ikizkoy, near the Akbelen forest in southwestern Mugla province, want delegates to visit communities affected by decades of lignite mining and the expansion of nearby coal operations.

Coal generated 34% of Turkey’s electricity last year, making the country Europe’s largest producer of coal-fired power, according to energy research group Ember.

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