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05 November 2024
The Climate Change and Adaptation Coordination Board (İDUKK) met under the chairmanship of Murat Kurum, the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, to finalize preparations for COP29.
In his opening address, Minister Kurum emphasized that the legislative work for the Climate law has been completed, stating, “Once it is enacted by the parliament in 2025, we will treat its mandates with the weight of a constitution.”
Comprising 26 members from various institutions and organizations, the Climate Change Coordination Board (İDUKK) convened in Ankara under the chairmanship of Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, where the roadmap for the 2053 Long-Term Climate Change Strategy and preparations for COP29 were discussed, Minister Kurum stated that they have always regarded the fight against climate change and environmental challenges as non-political issues.
PREPARATIONS FINALIZED IN ALIGNMENT WITH MTP TARGETS
Minister Kurum emphasized that environmental stewardship and urban planning are now fundamentally driven by a vision of digital transformation and smart cities. “We are advancing with a climate-friendly, green-transformation-oriented approach in line with our 2053 net zero emissions and green development goals,” he said. “We have finalized all necessary preparations to secure the digital transition and green financing mechanisms established under the Medium Term Program (OVP). The Ministry’s strategy is built upon two core pillars: our smart cities vision for digital integration and our comprehensive environmental and climate change initiatives for green transition.”
CLIMATE LAW PROJECTED FOR ENACTMENT IN 2025
Underscoring that consultations with all stakeholders regarding the Climate Law have been concluded, Minister Kurum said: “We have submitted it to the Grand National Assembly. This law will serve as the legal cornerstone for every step taken toward our 2053 Net Zero Emission target. Once it is enacted by the parliament in 2025, we will treat its mandates with the weight of a constitution. We will continue to drive these efforts across every sector of our economy, collaborating closely with local governments, civil society, and the private sector.”
“WE WILL UNVEIL OUR KEY DECISIONS AT COP29”
The Minister announced that the meeting would review the roadmap for the “2053 Long-Term Climate Change Strategy,” with the resulting decisions to be officially disclosed at the COP29 Conference of the Parties in Azerbaijan this November. Kurum added: “Today’s session will evaluate our negotiation positions and initiatives within the framework of COP29. We will also address the public rollout of our digitalization initiative. Through the strategy and roadmap we are currently finalizing, we will empower our country to take the most decisive actions possible against the global climate crisis.”
NATIONAL DEPOSIT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TARGETS 60 PERCENT
Minister Kurum explained that significant regulations have been implemented in many areas in line with the 2053 Net Zero Emission Target and Green Development Goals announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and provided an overview of the ongoing initiatives: We ratified the Paris Climate Agreement with the mandate of our Grand National Assembly, ensuring our country’s unique national circumstances were respected and the principle of equity was upheld. We have significantly enhanced our Nationally Determined Contribution by raising our emission reduction target from 21 percent to 41 percent. Furthermore, we are successfully implementing the Zero Waste model, a pioneering approach in climate diplomacy that serves as a global benchmark. Beyond these tangible achievements, we are fostering a profound shift in the national mindset. Through the launch of the National Deposit Management System, we aim to boost the national recycling and recovery rate to 60 percent by 2035. The reuse rate of treated wastewater has been increased from 1.2 percent in 2018 to 5.5 percent, with a strategic target of 15 percent by 2030.
“WE WILL IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL TAXONOMY REGULATION IN 2025”
Highlighting the upcoming implementation of the “National Green Taxonomy” regulation in 2025—designed specifically to address the economic needs of Türkiye—Minister Kurum said “Carbon sink areas will be further expanded through nation gardens and ecological corridors. Taking the fight against climate change to the local level is of vital importance. To this end, Provincial Climate Change and Adaptation Coordination Boards will be working actively across all 81 provinces to spearhead localized climate adaptation projects.
ECO-FRIENDLY HOUSING PRODUCTION
Minister Kurum observed that over the past 22 years, social housing and urban renewal projects have delivered 3.3 million homes built to be environmentally sustainable and zero waste compliant. He also underscored that 452,000 new residences and commercial spaces in the earthquake-affected region are being developed according to these same green standards.
PROF. HALIL HASAR, DIRECTOR OF CLIMATE CHANGE, DELIVERS A PRESENTATION AT THE COORDINATION BOARD
During the session of the Climate Change and Adaptation Coordination Board chaired by Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, Director of Climate Change Prof. Halil Hasar gave a comprehensive presentation. Prof. Halil Hasar briefed the board members on the ongoing initiatives addressing climate change, Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emission Target Roadmap, the national Long-Term Climate Strategy, and the strategic priorities for the COP29 negotiations.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change