The COP31 presidency, which Turkey holds this year, has announced the launch of the Antalya Pledge — a policy commitment on using artificial intelligence in support of climate goals.
The document concerns how AI is "developed, procured, powered, deployed, measured and governed." The statement was published on Monday, 21 September 2026.
Turkey's Minister Murat Kurum stressed the need to openly discuss AI's growing energy consumption. "It is time for governments to start setting the terms," he said in emailed comments.
According to Kurum, companies must be transparent about their energy consumption and ensure that data centres run on clean energy. The COP31 head also noted that Big Tech is "on thin ice."
The initiative highlights the growing role of AI in climate negotiations. How will it affect real action by the tech giants?
Ankara is counting on broad support for the pledge from other countries and summit participants.
