President Erdoğan Warns of Climate Crisis, Outlines Türkiye’s Green Energy and Zero Waste Push
Ankara: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a stark warning on Friday about the escalating climate crisis, calling for enhanced global and domestic efforts to combat environmental degradation. Speaking at the launch of the Cemre Foundation in Istanbul, he highlighted Türkiye’s significant investments in renewable energy, large-scale afforestation, and the nationally-led Zero Waste Project as key components of the country’s strategy.
“The world is facing serious environmental challenges driven by industrial pollution, plastic waste, chemical contaminants, and unsustainable consumption patterns,” Erdoğan stated. He specifically pointed to the pervasive threat of microplastics, noting that a single plastic bottle can persist in the environment for centuries, endangering marine life and contaminating natural resources.
Erdoğan emphasized that climate change is a direct catalyst for the increasing frequency of floods, storms, and extreme weather events, which devastate both communities and ecosystems. He argued that strengthening environmental awareness, particularly among the youth, is crucial for national resilience and future prosperity.
The President detailed Türkiye’s progress over the past two decades, pointing to a robust energy transition. He announced that renewable sources, including wind and solar, now account for 62% of the nation’s total installed electricity capacity. This shift, coupled with the expansion of natural gas infrastructure to all 81 provinces, has significantly improved urban air quality. Türkiye is also advancing its low-carbon future with investments in nuclear energy and electric mobility, including the domestically produced Togg electric vehicle.
On the topic of afforestation, Erdoğan stated that over 7.5 billion saplings have been planted in the last 23 years, positioning Türkiye as a global leader in tree planting and at the forefront of forest area expansion in Europe. Furthermore, the government’s “nation’s gardens” initiative has delivered 314 large public green spaces, covering nearly 39 million square meters, with more under construction.
Reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to its long-term climate goals, Erdoğan reiterated the target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2053. He noted the parliamentary ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2021 and the subsequent adoption of climate legislation aligned with a green growth strategy.
The President also praised the Zero Waste Project, spearheaded by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, which has evolved from a national policy into an international environmental movement. Framing environmental protection as a nonpartisan necessity for survival, Erdoğan concluded, “We must protect nature as a trust for future generations and work to leave behind a cleaner, more livable Türkiye.” Monitoring Desk
