Precious Anga
Lagos — Leaders of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, have unveiled a set of proposed global targets aimed at accelerating climate action, with electrification emerging as the centrepiece of efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and expand the use of cleaner energy technologies.
The proposals were presented at the ongoing mid-year climate negotiations in Bonn, Germany, by COP31 President-Designate, Murat Kurum of Türkiye, and Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, whose countries will jointly host this year’s climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye.
At the heart of the initiative is the proposed “35 by 35” target, which seeks to increase the share of electricity in global final energy consumption to 35 per cent by 2035, up from approximately 20 per cent today.
The target is based on analysis by the International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA, and is expected to drive wider adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps, electric cooking systems and other technologies designed to reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuel consumption.
Bowen described electrification as one of the most effective pathways for achieving long-term emissions reductions, noting that expanding electricity use across transportation, industry and buildings would play a critical role in the global energy transition.
According to him, the objective is to accelerate the shift towards cleaner energy systems while ensuring that a growing share of electricity generation comes from renewable sources.
The initiative comes as rising electricity demand from electric mobility, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence data centres and cooling systems continues to reshape global energy markets.
Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, IEA, Fatih Birol, said global energy systems are already witnessing increasing levels of electrification driven by technological advancement, energy security concerns and changing consumption patterns.
The proposed electrification target forms part of a broader package of climate priorities unveiled by the COP31 Presidency.
Another key proposal focuses on reducing energy consumption intensity in the building sector by at least 25 per cent by 2035. The measure is intended to encourage greater efficiency in residential, commercial and public infrastructure while lowering energy demand and associated emissions.
Climate experts note that improving building performance remains one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption globally, particularly as urbanisation and population growth continue to drive demand for electricity and cooling.
COP31 leaders also proposed a global target aimed at halving the growth of waste generation by 2035, reflecting growing recognition of the role waste management plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, global municipal waste generation could increase significantly in coming decades without stronger intervention, creating additional environmental and climate challenges.
The waste reduction proposal is expected to encourage investments in recycling, resource recovery, methane mitigation and circular economy initiatives that support sustainable development goals.
To support implementation of the proposed targets, the COP31 Presidency is also advancing plans for a Climate Implementation Bridge initiative designed to strengthen cooperation between governments, development institutions and private-sector investors.
The initiative is expected to focus on facilitating technical support, knowledge sharing and access to climate finance, particularly for developing countries seeking to accelerate energy transition projects and emissions reduction programmes.
For developing economies, including those across Africa, the proposed targets could create opportunities to attract investment into renewable energy, electricity infrastructure, battery storage, electric mobility and energy efficiency projects.
Energy analysts believe the strong emphasis on electrification reflects a growing global consensus that expanding access to affordable, reliable and low-emission electricity will be central to achieving both climate and economic development objectives.
As preparations continue ahead of COP31 in November, negotiators are expected to engage further on the proposed targets and explore pathways for translating the ambitions into practical actions that can support sustainable energy growth while addressing climate challenges.
The proposals also reinforce the increasing role of electricity in the future global energy mix, positioning electrification as a key driver of industrial development, energy security and emissions reduction over the coming decade.
