Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – Between November 9th to November 20th, 2026 Environmental Defence experts will be attending and monitoring this year’s session of the global climate negotiations, COP31, in Antalya, Türkiye.  Our experts will be available to provide insights on the negotiations and outcomes of COP31, including the role of the Government of Canada.

What needs to be delivered at COP31:

  • Accelerating global electrification and clean energy deployment: The COP31 Presidency’s 35 by 35 pledge presents an opportunity to make electrification central to global climate action. COP31 should advance commitments to expand renewable energy generation, modernize electricity grids, improve energy efficiency and help developing countries access the financing and technologies needed to electrify their economies. 
  • Taking concrete action to transition away from fossil fuels: At COP28, countries agreed on the need to transition away from fossil fuels. Coming out of COP30, On November 3rd the Brazilian Presidency presented a Roadmap for Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Energy Systems. In a parallel diplomatic process that was kick started in April in Santa Marta, nearly 60 countries, including Canada. participated in the first international conference dedicated to transitioning away from fossil fuels. COP31 must build on this and advance plans for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, national roadmaps, international cooperation on economic barriers, and ending fossil fuel subsidies. 
  • Closing the emissions gap: The growing gap between climate targets and tangible emissions reductions continues to threaten communities, ecosystems and economies around the world.  COP31 must strengthen accountability measures for implementing national climate plans, particularly amongst wealthy countries and major fossil fuel producers. 
  • Delivering climate finance, adaptation and a just transition: Climate change is already causing devastating consequences for communities around the world. Wealthier countries must deliver on their international climate finance commitments and ensure that support is provided to communities that need it the most. 

For more detailed  information about Canada’s commitments, record to date, and the topics under discussion, please see our backgrounder:  https://environmentaldefence.ca/report/cop31-backgrounder/

Experts available to comment:

From Türkiye:

Aly Hyder Ali, Senior Program Manager, Oil and Gas

In Canada:

Keith Brooks – Programs Director

Julia Levin – Associate Director, National Climate

Emilia Belliveau – Energy Transition Program Manager

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

– 30 –

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Alex Ross, media@environmentaldefence.ca