Electrification target proposed ahead of Cop31 climate summit

Preparatory climate talks in Bonn concluded Thursday with a new proposal to set a global target of 35 percent of final energy coming from electricity by 2035. The measure, advanced by Turkey and Australia, aims to accelerate the shift from combustion-based systems to electric vehicles, heating, cooling, and industrial processes.

Murat Kurum, Turkey's environment minister, said the target would support Paris agreement goals. "Without electrification, we won't be able to reach any of the targets, so we must go through this transformation," he told The Guardian.

Science and temperature goal disputes Negotiations on research and systematic observations stalled after several countries objected to language reaffirming the use of the best available science. Saudi Arabia, other Arab group nations, and India raised concerns about the dominance of research from wealthier countries in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change submissions.

The same countries also questioned repeated references to the 1.5C temperature limit. Sivendra Michael, speaking for Pacific Island nations, said blocking science references undermined the process.

Finance and transition issues Talks on a just transition produced more agreement.

Camila Mercure of Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales said governments could still reach a meaningful outcome at Cop31. Climate finance remained unresolved. Pooja Dave of Climate Action Network International said developed countries showed unwillingness to advance the global goal on adaptation.

UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned against reopening prior decisions or renegotiating targets. The talks were meant to prepare the ground for the November Cop31 summit.