There is something deeply unfortunate about the timing of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's announcement on November 9, the opening day of COP31 in Antalya, that two new oilfields had been discovered in his country. Estimated to contain approximately 135 million barrels of oil, the discoveries were presented as encouraging news for Turkey's energy future. Yet, Turkey is simultaneously hosting an international conference at which nations are expected to confront the consequences of their continued dependence on fossil fuels.
The symbolism is difficult to ignore. It illustrates the contradictions at the heart of the climate debate: countries acknowledge the need to transition away from fossil fuels while continuing to pursue their exploitation.
For the Caribbean, particularly Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname, COP31 carries special significance. These countries possess substantial hydrocarbon resources at a time when energy remains essential to economic development. But opportunity brings responsibility. Hydrocarbon discoveries cannot be regarded as a licence to pursue fossil fuel development indefinitely. The revenues generated must help finance economic diversification and the transition to renewable energy, particularly solar and wind.
This is especially important for Trinidad and Tobago, where the energy sector has sustained our prosperity for generations. It would be unreasonable, perhaps even disingenuous, to ask citizens to forgo the opportunities that continued oil and gas development might provide. Our people have legitimate expectations of employment, better public services, improved infrastructure and greater economic security. We cannot dismiss these aspirations in pursuit of global climate objectives, particularly when our contribution to worldwide emissions is relatively small.
Nevertheless, our commitment to the energy transition must be measured by results, not policy declarations and investment announcements. The experience of the Brechin Castle solar farm is an uncomfortable reminder.
Developed through a partnership involving BP, Shell and the National Gas Company, the 92-megawatt facility was expected to supply approximately eight per cent of the country's electricity requirements while freeing natural gas for other uses. Yet, despite substantial investment, it has been unable to deliver on that promise.
This demonstrates that the energy transition requires more than capital expenditure. It demands proper planning, technical preparation, coordination and accountability. We cannot afford to invest heavily in renewable infrastructure without ensuring that the electricity generated can actually be used.
There is also a fundamental question: What is the value of prosperity if rising temperatures, extreme weather, coastal flooding and environmental degradation compromise future generations' quality of life?
The challenge is not choosing between economic development and environmental responsibility, but reconciling the two. Trinidad and Tobago must use its hydrocarbon wealth wisely, accelerate renewable energy development and diversify its economy. Wealthier, larger-emitting nations must provide the financing and technological support developing countries need.
COP31 should remind us that the climate crisis is everyone's responsibility.
Ultimately, our success must be measured not by how much oil and gas we discover, or how many renewable projects we announce, but by whether we translate our natural wealth into lasting prosperity without compromising the future of generations to come.
