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14 March 2025
Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum attended the 2nd Uludağ Environmental Forum organized by the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Addressing the forum, which brought together Bursa Governor Erol Ayyıldız, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, academics, public officials, and business representatives, Minister Kurum indicated that numerous projects had been delivered to Bursa, ranging from the Ulu Cami Square Project and the revitalization of the Historic Inns District to thousands of social housing projects and nation gardens.
“Disasters Are Upending the Balance of the Ecosystem”
Minister Kurum described the effects of the climate crisis as follows: “There is no longer a single day that passes globally without a disaster. Species are disappearing at an alarming rate, and disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts are upending the balance of the ecosystem.
Agriculture and food security are facing serious risks. Epidemics are becoming global, and climate migration is depopulating some cities. Everyone is aware that the production and consumption habits that have caused this situation must now be consigned to history, but distrust toward the existing global system and toward the countries that pollute the world the most is also evident.”
“We Will Capitalize on the Opportunities of the Circular Economy”
Minister Kurum shared Türkiye’s efforts and measures against the climate crisis and said: “In the face of this picture, Türkiye signed the Paris Climate Agreement in 2016, while also placing reservations against unfair practices. We are managing this process in a way that does not undermine Türkiye’s growth, development, and employment. On the one hand, we will grow and develop; on the other, we will align with nature and capitalize on the opportunities of the circular economy.”
“We Are Entering a New Phase in Our Zero Waste Project”
Referring to the restrictions introduced under the European Green Deal, Minister Kurum noted that Türkiye is preparing to turn these developments into an opportunity under its 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target: “We have opened a new chapter for Green Transformation in Industry.
Our industrial facilities will now hold the Green Transformation in Industry Certificate, will not be subject to trade restrictions, and will gain a stronger position in new production processes. They will gain much faster access to climate-related finance. We must act with the awareness that our resources are not unlimited. We must review production, consumption, and habits. We are entering a new phase in our Zero Waste Project led by Mrs. Emine Erdoğan. We have completed the infrastructure work required for the Deposit Management System through our Environment Agency. Following Kızılcahamam, we have designated Sakarya as another pilot province for our deposit system. By expanding this system to all 81 provinces, we will enter a process in which both our citizens and our environment will benefit from increased recycling. Together, we will sustain this effort and achieve emission reductions across many sectors—from aluminum to steel and cement—by 2053.”
“Türkiye Will Reach Its 2053 Net Zero Target Much Earlier”
Pointing out that imports are largely energy-driven, Minister Kurum said: “This is why, we will raise the share of renewable energy in the energy sector to 65 percent by 2035. I state this with confidence: The Republic of Türkiye will reach its 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target well before 2053, and the Century of Türkiye will also be the century of green, blue, and nature conservation.”
Following the forum, Minister Kurum paid visits in Bursa, toured the city’s historic inns, and met with local tradespeople, accompanied by Director of Climate Change Prof. Halil Hasar.