An “Ozone Panel Discussion” was convened in Istanbul through cooperation between the Directorate of Climate Change and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

20 December 2024

An “Ozone Panel Discussion” was convened in Istanbul through cooperation between the Directorate of Climate Change and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The event brought together stakeholders from the refrigeration and air-conditioning, heat pump, fire protection, and electrical switchgear sectors, with the aim of providing technical briefings and creating a platform for in-depth sectoral dialogue. Discussions focused on “reducing direct emissions through the life-cycle management of refrigerant gases” and “cutting indirect emissions by improving energy efficiency.”

Deputy Director Mehrali Ecer attended the panel on behalf of the Directorate of Climate Change, which coordinates national and international efforts related to the “Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer", to which Türkiye became a party in 1991. In his opening remarks, Deputy Director Ecer stated, “Our clearest expression of determination in the fight against climate change is, of course, our 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target announced by our President.”

Addressing climate-related challenges, he noted, “Global average temperatures linked to climate change are breaking new records year after year. Disasters such as floods, hailstorms, storms, droughts, and prolonged forest fires are now occurring far more frequently.
I believe we are all fully aware that these disasters pose a very serious threat to all living beings.The social and economic dimensions of climate change are of a scale that cannot be overlooked.”

Referring to scientific research, he said, “Scientific studies clearly show that the negative impacts of climate change will intensify dramatically in the medium and long term. They also demonstrate that our world and future generations are under threat unless timely and effective measures are taken.
In this context, our strongest indicator of resolve in combating climate change is, once again, our 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target announced by our President.”

During the day-long panel discussion, experts delivered detailed presentations on “Leak Prevention,” “Recovery,” “Recycling,” “Reclamation (RRR) and Disposal Methods,” and the “Financial Mechanism (MLF – Multilateral Fund).” Other sessions addressed “Energy-Efficient Technologies and Policy Instruments (MEPS and Labeling),” “Climate Change and Women’s Role in the Economy,” “Financing Mechanisms in the Life-Cycle Management of Refrigerant Gases,” and “Management of Hydrofluorocarbon-Related Emissions.”

In addition to Deputy Director Ecer, the event was attended by UNIDO Türkiye Representative Süleyman Yılmaz, senior officials from the Directorate of Climate Change, experts from UNIDO and the Directorate, and leading academics specializing in the field.