Portugal takes renewables and a just-transition push to COP31 in Antalya

Portugal opened COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, with a push for faster renewables growth, less reliance on fossil fuels and a transition that protects vulnerable people. Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho backs the Turkish presidency's voluntary goal of lifting electricity's share of global final energy use from about 20% to 35% by 2035. Portugal will cite its 82.9% renewable electricity share in early 2026, and the minister will lead EU just-transition talks. The country will also showcase some €80 million of river and coastal works and a debt-for-climate swap with Cape Verde worth over €42 million. Carvalho warned talks may be hard because of resistance from oil-producing states.