Climate action can bring stability in a fractured world, says UN climate chief Simon Stiell

UN climate chief Simon Stiell said climate action can provide stability amid growing global uncertainty, as Türkiye prepares to host COP31 in Antalya this November.

Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul, Stiell warned that the world is facing a period of heightened instability marked by geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and challenges to international cooperation. In such an environment, he argued, accelerating the shift to renewable energy offers countries a clear path to greater energy security and economic resilience.

Stiell emphasised that renewables represent the cheapest and cleanest form of energy generation, describing them as a safeguard against shocks caused by wars and market disruptions. He stressed that no nation is immune to the impacts of fossil fuel pollution and climate-related disasters.

Addressing recent policy shifts in the United States, Stiell noted that the country retains the option to rejoin global climate frameworks, saying the door remains open for its return to the UN climate convention and the Paris Agreement.

Reflecting on the evolution of global climate efforts, Stiell described three phases of action: first, recognising and debating the scale of the problem; second, building solutions culminating in the Paris Agreement; and third, the current era of implementation. He highlighted the rapid expansion of clean energy investment over the past decade, with funding for renewables now significantly exceeding that for fossil fuels and renewable sources surpassing coal in global electricity generation.

Stiell called for intensified efforts to meet commitments made during the first global stocktake and at COP28 in Dubai, including tripling renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency improvements, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and strengthening climate resilience.

He underscored the need to rapidly scale up climate-related projects, unlock greater flows of finance — particularly for developing countries — and strengthen international partnerships. Multilateral Development Banks, he said, will play a central role in lowering financing costs and mobilising private investment.

Despite geopolitical fractures, Stiell expressed confidence that climate cooperation can continue to advance, arguing that climate action aligns with every nation’s self-interest by enhancing resilience, supporting growth, and reducing long-term risks.