27/01/2026
The first panel in a series of events initiated by the Istanbul Policy Center (IPC) as part of preparations for COP31 was held under the title "Venezuela, Greenland, Trump… How Will Geopolitical Upheaval Affect Global Climate Policies?". Moderated by Ümit Şahin, the panel featured Senem Aydın-Düzgit, Altay Atlı, and Soli Özel as speakers.
The panel addressed the effects of the accelerating geopolitical uncertainties and shifts in power balances on global climate policies within a multi-dimensional framework. The discussions indicated that, in the process leading up to COP31, the climate crisis should be considered not only as an environmental issue but also as an economic, strategic, and governance issue.
Transformation in Geopolitical Balances and the Climate Agenda
The first part of the panel addressed how transformations in global politics shape climate policies. It was noted that great power competition, energy security concerns, regional conflicts, and domestic political dynamics play a decisive role in prioritizing climate policies.
This section emphasized that the global climate regime is progressing on an increasingly complex and fragile ground; and that climate goals are often intertwined with geopolitical interests, economic competition, and security policies. A general framework was drawn showing that the climate crisis cannot be addressed independently of global power relations shaped by natural resources and strategic regions.
Multilateralism, Negotiation Processes, and COP31
The second part of the panel discussed the current state of multilateral climate negotiations and the structural challenges facing the COP processes. In a period when international cooperation is becoming more difficult, the focus was on how COP mechanisms can be made more effective and inclusive.
This section also noted that responsibility sharing between developed and developing countries, climate finance, and justice discussions will be among the decisive topics in the COP31 process. It was assessed that COP31 could provide a platform for discussing not only technical objectives but also new diplomatic approaches and forms of cooperation.
Türkiye, COP31, and a Perspective of Hope
In the Q&A session held at the end of the panel, questions regarding the importance of COP31 for Türkiye, the political, economic, and institutional opportunities this process may create, and the future of the climate struggle were addressed. The discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening Türkiye's position in international climate processes and addressing climate policies in a way that is consistent with domestic policy and development goals.
Furthermore, despite the uncertainties experienced on a global scale, the possibility of developing a perspective of hope for the continuation of the climate struggle was evaluated within the framework of the role that societal demand, scientific knowledge, and multi-stakeholder collaborations can play in this process.
The First Step of the COP31 Event Series
The panel constituted the first step in a series of events consisting of trainings, webinars, workshops, and round table meetings that IPM will conduct as part of its COP31 preparations. The series aims to strengthen information sharing and areas of common thinking among public institutions, academia, civil society, and the business world.
IPM's series of events for COP31 will continue in the coming period with new meetings addressing different dimensions of global climate policy.
