1. How do you assess the long-term effects of climate change on Türkiye and the world?
Climate change, or more accurately the climate crisis, is one of the greatest global threats, directly and variably affecting the lives of billions of people around the world. Factors such as air pollution, deforestation, species extinction, depletion of clean water resources, loss of productivity in arable lands, and overpopulation pose serious risks for both Turkey and the world.
In Türkiye, mega projects, mining operations, thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants (HPPs), and geothermal power plants (GPPs) have caused irreversible ecological destruction. Increased forest fires, floods in the Black Sea region, and droughts are among the direct effects of the climate crisis. Forest areas have been rapidly fragmented into smaller plots, and forests are now viewed merely as timber production centers. The forest fires during the summer of 2021, which raged for days in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, threatened not only natural ecosystems but also human life, wildlife, and all living beings. This mindset, which views forests only as green spaces, disregards the water resources within forests and ignores drought scenarios. The endemic plants and centuries-old biodiversity in forest areas are not even discussed. Instead, the government celebrates the number of trees planted to replace forests destroyed by mines and quarries, despite United Nations reports clearly stating that destroyed forest areas can never be fully restored.
During the same period, floods in the Western Black Sea region caused the loss of dozens of lives and inflicted severe damage on infrastructure. Meanwhile, the depletion of groundwater in the Konya Plain and Southeastern Anatolia region has negatively impacted agricultural production, deepening the water crisis. Emerging drought and unsustainable land use practices further threaten our food security.
As the destructive effects of climate change continue to grow, the political administration in Turkey has shown itself to be far from developing realistic and long-term policies to address this crisis. The AKP governments have prioritized profit-driven projects over protecting the environment and natural resources, exacerbating the crisis further. Although the ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement and access to various international climate funds are presented by the government as signs of environmental sensitivity, these steps are, in reality, seen as tools for monetary gain. During my tenure as a member of the Turkish Parliament's Commission on Water Resources, Drought, and Climate Change in 2021, I observed that the government's climate policies were primarily aimed at accessing international funds and loans. The four-year resistance to ratifying the Paris Agreement was broken only when a $3 billion credit package became available, clearly exposing the government's approach.
On the other hand, while claiming to combat climate change, projects that devastate nature, such as mining operations, HPPs, and coastal exploitation, continue unabated. From Kaz Dağları to Artvin Cerattepe, from Akbelen to Munzur, and even in the Sakarı Valley in my hometown Eskişehir—one of its most precious regions—environmental destruction persists due to gold mining projects by companies like Cengiz Holding, despite strong public resistance. While agricultural lands and water resources are being destroyed by mining, the lack of adequate measures to combat forest fires has also led to the loss of vast forest areas. The government's inability to prepare firefighting planes during the massive fires of 2021 is etched in memory as one of the starkest examples of administrative failure.
Globally, climate change continues to cause increasingly severe disasters. In 2023, heatwaves in Europe claimed thousands of lives, while massive wildfires in Canada and Greece caused severe damage to ecosystems. The same year, severe floods in Asia and consecutive hurricanes in the United States highlighted the global scale of the climate crisis.
These disasters not only affect nature but also disrupt economic and social balances. Rising food prices, water scarcity, and migration flows are creating new crises among nations. In this process, Türkiye must revisit its energy policies and environmental strategies. Fulfilling commitments under the Paris Agreement, prioritizing renewable energy investments, and efficiently managing water resources are no longer optional but imperative.
To meet Türkiye's 2053 net-zero emissions target, at least half of the existing coal power plants must be closed by 2030, with all of them phased out by 2040. Failing to reduce the use of fossil fuels, keeping plant chimneys operational, and allowing rampant urbanization will render all climate policies meaningless. However, the current government prioritizes economic gains and access to financial resources over the reduction of carbon emissions. The absence of any exit plan from coal, and the continuation of projects like Kanal İstanbul, İkizdere, and thermal power plants that harm nature, call into question the sincerity of environmental commitments. It has been disclosed that at least 13 million trees were cut down for Istanbul Airport, with the deforested area covering approximately 6,500 hectares. The project displaced all wildlife, trees, animals, and plant species in the area, either forcing them out of their habitats or leading to their destruction. Moreover, 134 million square meters of agricultural land in the region are expected to be destroyed, with 83 million square meters opened to construction.
The European Union's Green Deal and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) it has implemented require significant transformations for export-driven countries like Türkiye. The carbon border tax, set to be fully enforced by 2026, will directly affect high-carbon industries such as steel, cement, aluminum, and fertilizers. Yet, the AKP government, instead of taking the necessary steps to adapt to this transition, focuses on bypassing the process and benefiting from international funds.
In Eskişehir, one of Türkiye's key industrial cities, manufacturers expect incentives and support to transition to low-carbon production, but the current administration has left them to fend for themselves. Without investments in decarbonization, Eskişehir's significant export companies could face substantial market losses and economic contraction. To maintain Türkiye's competitive edge in the EU market, it is essential to develop realistic and sustainable industrial policies rather than relying solely on superficial environmental commitments.
The fundamental reason for Türkiye's failure in addressing climate change lies in prioritizing short-term economic interests over long-term environmental sustainability. The government's current policies, focused on economic gain and rent rather than nature conservation, increase Turkey's vulnerability to the climate crisis.
By 2030, Türkiye must announce an exit timetable from coal, close thermal power plants, and end the misuse of land and the exploitation of forests and water resources by mines. Otherwise, the impacts of the climate crisis will only deepen, leaving Türkiye to face ongoing challenges such as drought, food crises, and natural disasters. Addressing climate change must be taken seriously, not merely as a means to benefit from international funds, but as an effort to leave a livable world for future generations.
Türkiye's representation at COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, by an unqualified TV actor instead of a scientist, experienced public servant, or diplomat, reflected the government's lack of seriousness toward the issue. While former presidents, ministers, and scientists participated in the summit from across the globe, Türkiye 's delegation was represented by a TV personality.
2. What are the primary goals of your political party in addressing climate change?
The Republican People's Party (CHP) approaches the fight against climate change not solely from an ecological perspective but also as a developmental and justice issue that must address economic and social dimensions. While fulfilling the requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, CHP also focuses on adaptation measures needed to cope with the effects of the climate crisis.
Within this framework, CHP aims for a transition to a low-carbon economic model in line with Türkiye's commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement and the European Green Deal. The party's fundamental approach to combating the climate crisis is based on producing scientifically informed, participatory, and sustainable solutions.
Legislative priorities such as the Climate Law, Water Law, and Biodiversity Conservation Law must urgently be passed in Parliament with full consensus. The legislation should comprehensively include the standards adopted by the EU in combating the climate crisis. We propose updating the 2053 Net Zero Emission Target to 2050 and laying out interim goals for the period after 2030 in five-year increments.
Energy policies are central to CHP's efforts to combat climate change. In line with the Climate Strategy Document and Net Zero Target, we believe Türkiye must accelerate its energy transition. We advocate for a phased exit from fossil fuels, especially coal, and support the promotion of renewable energy sources. During this transition, a just transition is also planned. In this context, increasing investments in renewable energy and supporting energy cooperatives are critical. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of strengthening energy efficiency policies, as these are as crucial as energy production.
At the local government level, we prioritize implementing sustainable urbanization and green transportation policies. Municipalities led by the Republican People's Party are committed to expanding environmentally friendly transportation systems, strengthening public transportation, and promoting resilient cities through urban transformation projects in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Notably, comprehensive projects in areas such as green infrastructure investments, waste management, and water resource conservation must be developed.
CHP-led municipalities are undertaking valuable efforts to protect our cities and the world from the effects of the global climate crisis and to mitigate its impact. For example, our Tepebaşı Municipality in Eskişehir, in addition to exemplary practices, has established a Climate Change Directorate with a young and skilled team to implement significant projects on green energy and energy efficiency. Eskişehir's Metropolitan Municipality has also contributed to energy efficiency by partnering in major projects such as the Building Efficiency Accelerator program.
Another priority of CHP is to enhance the resilience of Türkiye's agricultural production against climate change. Under the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy and Green Deal Action Plan, we aim to promote sustainable agricultural production models, increase drought-resistant crop varieties, and develop effective policies to protect water resources. In this regard, providing financial incentives to farmers and reducing the carbon footprint in agricultural production are among CHP's core policies.
Furthermore, we believe that combating climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a matter of social justice. Protecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring a just energy transition, and supporting the shift to a green economy with social policies are critical components of our approach. We aim to strengthen Türkiye's access to international climate finance mechanisms, enhance cooperation with the European Union, and take on a more active role in global climate action.
Our former party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu addressed youth with his "Climate Letter," emphasizing how threats such as climate change, air pollution, deforestation, and water scarcity are making life increasingly difficult worldwide. He pledged to enshrine the right to an ecosystem in the constitution for future generations. Additionally, in our "Call to the Second Century" Declaration, we included the "Right to an Ecosystem for Future Generations" as a commitment to be constitutionally guaranteed.
The concrete goals, policies, and projects outlined in the "Joint Policy Agreement," prepared and pledged by our party alongside five other political parties, remain valid today. These policies, particularly those addressing climate change, are of critical importance for both our country and the world. The plan includes restructuring public administration according to principles of merit, adherence to law, and transparency, with a citizen-focused approach. In this context, we have adopted a sustainable and inclusive development strategy centered on green transformation and the digital revolution.
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change will be restructured as the "Ministry of Climate, Environment, and Forests." While establishing institutions to provide expertise in areas such as industrial green and digital transformation, we will also ensure financial support for these transitions by creating a specialized and independent financial institution called the Climate Bank. On the one hand, we will negotiate the adverse effects of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on Türkiye within the framework of the Customs Union. On the other hand, we will implement effective domestic carbon pricing systems to prevent Turkish exporters from paying taxes outside of Turkey.
By prioritizing green transformation and international collaboration, CHP will strive to address the climate crisis not only as an environmental imperative but as a key to achieving sustainable development and social equity for Türkiye's future.
Who is Jale Nur SÜLLÜ?
Eskişehir – 1962, Hüseyin Cahit, İffet. Doctor of Communication Sciences; completed primary and secondary education in Eskişehir. Graduated from Anadolu University, Faculty of Communication Sciences. Completed her master's degree at Anadolu University and her doctorate at Marmara University. Held positions in various non-governmental organizations in Eskişehir. Served as a member of the Tepebaşı and Metropolitan Municipality Councils. Took part in the duties of zoning, health, law, regulations, transportation commissions, and committee membership. Contributed to the implementation of various projects as a member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, the Union of Municipalities, and the Union of Historic Towns. Between 2009 and 2013, served as the Head of the Department of Social Services at Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, implementing many projects funded by international grants and resources. Elected as a Member of Parliament for Eskişehir in the 27th Term. Served as Deputy Chair of the Committee on Equal Opportunity for Women and Men. Participated in parliamentary research commissions established for "Investigating Suspicious Child Deaths, Especially That of Rabia Naz Vatan" and "Determining Measures to Mitigate the Effects of Global Climate Change." Currently serves as Vice Co-Chair of the Turkey-European Union Joint Parliamentary Committee and is a member of the EU Harmonization Committee. Fluent in English, Süllü is married and has two children.
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