1. How do you assess the long-term effects of climate change on Türkiye and the world?
We believe that the negative consequences of climate change are now being acknowledged, that certain steps are being taken at both national and international levels, but that there is still a long way to go in addressing this issue. We are facing many threats, such as the increasing vulnerability of Türkiye's already limited water resources, the disruption of agricultural activities, and mass migrations. It is evident that Hatay and the Mediterranean region will be among the first areas to suffer from these impacts. Studies show that the Mediterranean is warming at a rate above the global average, leading to adverse processes such as the emergence of invasive species in marine ecosystems, the destruction of biodiversity, and changes in precipitation patterns. We are concerned that, for Hatay, this could result in even more severe cumulative consequences.
Due to thermal power plants, industrial facilities, and coal burning for heating, there has been significant carbon gas emissions in İskenderun and its surroundings, leading to severe air pollution. Acid rain has caused substantial damage to citrus farming. Moreover, mining activities and iron-steel industries have resulted in heavy metal pollution in the Gulf of İskenderun. If the destruction caused by climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean basin deepens, we may witness the biological and economic collapse of the Gulf of İskenderun, the loss of local flora and fauna, the degradation of agricultural lands, and desertification.
The flora of the Amanos Mountains contains 4.5% endemic species, which makes it imperative for us to take additional conservation efforts. At both national and international levels, stronger and more effective measures must be taken against climate change and its consequences.
2. What are the primary goals of your political party in addressing climate change?
Our party program considers the multidimensional effects of climate change and envisions a coordinated struggle across different sectors to combat it. We propose measures such as establishing a "Climate Change and Development Research Center" to determine policies to be implemented in this field, adopting the EU's Renewed Lisbon Strategy, ensuring cooperation between central and local governments in tackling climate change, implementing an energy policy aligned with the "net zero carbon" target, promoting public transportation in cities to reduce vehicle emissions, and increasing the share of renewable energy sources in total energy production.
Our party program clearly demonstrates our commitment to the universal principles of social democracy, one of which is environmentalism. The Republican People's Party (CHP) is officially defined as the party of "sensitivity to greenery, the environment, nature, and global warming." We believe that development can be rapid while remaining in harmony with nature and the environment.
Who is Nermin Yıldırım Kara ?
Hatay / Belen – 1975, Osman, Aynur.
Certified Public Accountant; she graduated from İskenderun Commercial Vocational High School. In 1998, she obtained her degree from Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Economics. In 2003, she received her Certified Public Accountant license from TÜRMOB. Since 2004, she has worked as a manager in a major industrial enterprise in İskenderun.
Starting in 1998, she served on the Board of Directors of the İskenderun Environmental Protection Association and later became the president of the association. She is a founding member of Evimiz İskenderun Süpürge Derneği and Ayna Culture and Arts Association. She is also a member of the İskenderun Association for Assistance to Children in Need of Protection and the Atatürkist Thought Association. She has been actively involved in various civil society organizations focusing on environmental issues in Hatay and İskenderun.
She served as a member of the Executive Board of the İskenderun Municipality City Council. She took on leadership and spokesperson roles in the Nature Mediterranean Environmental Associations Platform (DAÇE) and the Turkey Environmental Platform (TURÇEP).
She was a Hatay Congress Delegate at the 36th and 37th CHP Ordinary Congresses. Following the 37th Congress, she was appointed by the Chairman of CHP to work on issues under the responsibility of the CHP Vice Presidency for Nature Rights and Environmental Policies.
Yıldırım Kara is married.
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