The United Nations Climate Conference, COP31, is set to commence on Monday in Antalya, Turkey, amidst geopolitical tensions and the US-led conflict with Iran highlighting continued reliance on fossil fuels. Turkey aims to make electrification a key focus at COP31, introducing the non-binding 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge, which seeks to increase electricity's share in global energy demand to 35% by 2035. Currently accounting for approximately one-fifth of global total final energy consumption, the push towards electrification aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources while enhancing energy security. The COP31 president and Turkey's Environment Minister, Murat Kurum, stated that this year's energy crisis has underscored the need for greater control over energy resources, with electrification offering a solution that protects communities from volatile global markets and reduces emissions. Additionally, priority areas at COP31 include zero waste, methane reduction, climate-resilient cities, green industrialisation, education, and implementation of national climate plans. However, critics argue the pledge does not mandate low-carbon electricity sources, sparking a debate on whether electrification alone represents meaningful climate progress. A coalition of countries, including vulnerable South Pacific island nations, is advocating for a more definitive global roadmap away from fossil fuels. Meanwhile, oil and gas producing nations such as Saudi Arabia argue that fossil fuels can still play a significant role in the global energy mix with emissions-reducing technologies. The US-Israel conflict with Iran has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, causing fuel prices to skyrocket globally and leading governments to seek alternative energy sources. In response, US President Donald Trump has advocated for policies promoting oil, gas, and coal production as a means to address Middle East disruptions, while countries like South Korea, India, Thailand, and others have increased their dependence on or efforts to boost coal-fired power generation. Concurrently, the deployment of renewable energy has grown, driven by soaring exports of affordable clean technology from China.