Full Breakdown
Turkey Unveils “Climate-Responsible AI” Initiative Ahead of COP31
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: AI Pledge Announcement
Turkey announced that it will launch a political pledge on September 21 to address the rapidly rising energy demand of artificial-intelligence systems. The pledge, being drafted with the United Nations International Telecommunication Union, will ask governments and technology firms to align AI infrastructure development with global climate objectives and to report the energy use of data centres, preferably powered by clean electricity.
Background & Context: COP31 Host and Electrification Goal
Antalya, Turkey, will host the United Nations climate conference COP31 in November 2024, the country’s first time presiding over the summit. In parallel with the AI pledge, Turkey is promoting a “35 × 35” electrification target that seeks to raise the share of global final-energy consumption met by electricity from roughly 20 % today to 35 % by 2035. The initiative aims to accelerate the shift of buildings, transport and industry from direct fossil-fuel use to electric alternatives, while supporting grid modernization and clean-power access for developing nations.
Data & Statistics
- Current electricity share of total energy demand: ? 20 %.
- Targeted electricity share by 2035: 35 % (the “35 × 35” goal).
- Non-electric energy sources: primarily fossil fuels, with about 10 % supplied by biofuels and waste.
- COP31 involves nearly 200 nations that reach decisions by consensus; the AI pledge will remain voluntary and non-binding.
Official Statements & Responses
Murat Kurum, Turkey’s Minister for Environment, Urban Planning and Climate Change and COP31 president-designate, said governments must openly discuss AI’s growing energy consumption and begin setting clear terms for the sector. He emphasized that companies should be transparent about their energy use and transition their operations to clean power. Kurum also highlighted that the summit will dedicate a day to technology and AI and will showcase a portfolio of AI-enabled clean-technology pilots linking developers, industry partners and investors in areas such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.
What’s Next: Draft Pledge and AI Day at COP31
A draft of the AI pledge is slated to be released before the November summit, providing a framework for voluntary commitments and a global mechanism to track progress on electrification. During COP31, the designated technology-and-AI day will feature pilot projects that demonstrate responsible AI applications in clean-technology sectors, aiming to catalyze investment and collaboration across the climate-tech ecosystem.