ANTALYA — The global push to electrify transport, buildings and industry is gaining attention at the COP31 climate summit, as governments weigh how to accelerate cleaner energy use without increasing environmental and social harm in mineral-producing communities.
Türkiye and Australia are promoting a proposed “35-by-35” goal that would increase electricity’s share of global energy use from about 21% to 35% by 2035. The initiative is intended to support cleaner transport, more efficient buildings, stronger electricity grids and wider access to energy, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
Electrification requires more than renewable generation
Electricity can help reduce emissions when it replaces direct fossil-fuel use in vehicles, heating and industrial processes. The climate benefit, however, depends on how power is generated, the efficiency of the technologies being deployed and the pace at which grids are modernised.
The proposed goal is focused on the share of energy use supplied by electricity. It does not, by itself, guarantee that the electricity will come from renewable sources. That distinction matters because electrification can expand while power systems remain dependent on coal, gas or other high-emissions sources.
Critical minerals raise difficult questions
Solar panels, wind turbines, batteries and electricity networks require materials extracted and processed through global mineral supply chains. Environmental and human-rights organisations warn that rising demand can intensify pollution, habitat destruction and risks to Indigenous communities unless safeguards are enforced.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre recorded more than 300 allegations linked to transition-mineral mining in 2025, a 73% increase from 2024, according to the AP report. More than 120 civil-society groups are calling for stronger ecosystem protections and binding human-rights and environmental due diligence.
Recycling could help reduce pressure on new extraction. The International Energy Agency has estimated that expanded recycling could reduce the need for new mining by 25% to 40% by 2050, depending on the materials and assumptions involved.
The policy test
For governments and investors, the challenge is to build an energy transition that is fast, affordable and accountable. That means expanding clean power and grids while improving mineral traceability, community consultation, worker protections and recycling capacity.
The proposed electrification target is a political signal rather than a binding global agreement. Its value will depend on whether countries translate it into measurable national policies, finance and implementation plans.
Sources: Associated Press — UN climate summit pushes electrification goal as groups call for mining safeguards; UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.