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Second day of COP31

Expansion of fossil fuels raises questions about the reality of climate commitments

Published : Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 at 8:48 PM

Jahid Biplob, from Antalya, Türkiye

On one hand, there are commitments to reduce carbon emissions to tackle the climate crisis, while on the other, initiatives are underway to discover new oil fields and increase fossil fuel production. It is amid this contradiction that the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, is taking place in Antalya, Türkiye.

On the second day of the conference, discussions continued on reducing fossil fuel consumption, transitioning to clean energy, climate finance and the equitable rights of climate-vulnerable countries.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country is hosting the conference, has announced the discovery of two new oil fields in the mountainous Gabar region. The two fields, named Gazilar and Chardakli, are estimated to contain 135 million barrels of oil. He also said that production at the fields began in October. According to him, the launch of the new fields could increase oil production in the region by around 30 percent.

The announcement by the host country of a climate conference has sparked fresh debate internationally. This is because carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are among the leading causes of global warming. At the same time, reports of Australia and the United Kingdom advancing gas field operations and Norway discovering new oil and gas reserves have raised further questions about the implementation of climate commitments.

Call to Move Away from Fossil Fuels

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the implementation of an effective roadmap to gradually move away from fossil fuels. He urged Türkiye and Australia to cooperate with Brazil's proposed initiative in this regard. According to him, alongside increasing the use of renewable energy, plans must also be developed to reduce dependence on coal, oil and gas.

The main theme of the second day of the conference was 'Energy and Transport'. Discussions throughout the day focused on energy security, renewable energy, electrification, electric vehicles, modernisation of transport systems and reducing carbon emissions from industries. Of the approximately 370 sessions and discussions, around 140 focused on energy and transport.

Meanwhile, global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to decline by approximately 0.4 percent in 2026 compared with the previous year. However, experts do not consider this marginal decline sufficient. Unless deforestation, changes in land use and dependence on fossil fuels are addressed, the climate crisis could deepen further.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Antalya

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Antalya, Türkiye, on Tuesday on a three-day official visit to attend the World Leaders' Summit of COP31. He is accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and other members of the official delegation. At 6:30 pm on Tuesday, he held a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Maxx Royal Hotel in Antalya.

The meeting discussed strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation in various sectors.

The Prime Minister will attend the World Leaders' Summit on November 11 and 12. He is scheduled to deliver an address at a plenary session on November 12. He will highlight Bangladesh's climate vulnerabilities, adaptation financing, climate justice and demands for compensation for climate-related losses and damages.

Bangladesh expects developed countries, which bear historical responsibility for climate change, to ensure adequate financing and technological support for vulnerable nations. According to Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Dhaka will seek international cooperation and financing by presenting the extent of the damage Bangladesh is suffering due to climate change.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold meetings with the Prime Minister of Australia, the President of Uzbekistan and the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. A meeting with China's Deputy Prime Minister is also possible.

Bangladesh Highlights the Environmental Potential of Jute on the Global Stage

Bangladesh's special Jute Pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 is attracting the attention of international delegates. The pavilion showcases the country's jute heritage, its diverse applications and the potential of jute-based products in protecting the environment.

Bangladesh is emphasising the increased use of jute bags, packaging materials and household products as alternatives to plastic. As a natural and biodegradable material, jute can play an important role in reducing plastic pollution.

There is also a possibility of signing a joint declaration between Bangladesh and Türkiye on the use of jute and jute-based products and the expansion of their markets. If implemented, this could create new opportunities for Bangladesh's jute industry in Türkiye and other European markets.

Against the backdrop of the unequal distribution of responsibility for and the impacts of the climate crisis, Bangladesh is demanding equitable climate financing while simultaneously highlighting the message of a sustainable future through environmentally friendly products such as jute