-
17 April 2026
Prof. Halil Hasar, Director of Climate Change, shared his key assessments following a panel discussion titled “Türkiye’s Climate Change Agenda on the Road to COP31,” which was organized by the SETA Foundation.
Speaking to SETA media after the program, Director Hasar underscored that climate change is not merely a shift in temperature, but a vital issue directly impacting the economy, industry, and all stakeholders. He noted that technical efforts to combat the climate crisis can only succeed through environmental awareness and broad social consensus, emphasizing the need to communicate these processes to the public in a transparent and accessible manner.
Director Hasar also highlighted that COP31, to be hosted by Türkiye, presents a significant opportunity to instill a lasting sense of awareness across the nation.
“No movement can truly succeed without public support”
“Within the framework of Türkiye’s climate agenda on the road to COP31, the Climate Change and Environment Program initiated by the SETA Foundation has been a crucial step.
Our country was in great need of such an initiative. While we can manage the technical dimensions and take rapid action, the reality remains that no movement can truly succeed without public support. We must convey to the public that climate change is not a ‘tabloid’ topic. It is not merely about warming, cooling, or weather imbalances; it is an issue woven into the very fabric of society that affects it profoundly. Moreover, we must explain to our citizens, in plain language, that this matter fundamentally impacts nations, stakeholders, the economy, and industry alike. This is the only path to achieving our goals. This is why COP31 represents such a vital opportunity and a turning point for us. Throughout the COP31 process, it is essential to organize such programs and collaborate with experts who understand social dynamics. From this perspective, the launch of today’s program was very timely.
I once again congratulate the SETA Foundation. And I hope this initiative yields positive results.”