This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Climate change presents itself as a multidimensional global threat, encompassing not only environmental but also economic, social, and health challenges. Scientific data reveal that climate change is accelerating and poses serious threats to the planet’s future. The intensity of these changes is particularly evident in ecologically sensitive regions such as the Mediterranean, where increases in temperature, rising sea levels, and the frequency of extreme weather events have become more pronounced. In this context, reports published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasize that climate change constitutes a global threat and that strengthening international cooperation is essential to mitigate this threat.
As a consequence of global warming, climate change brings about numerous adverse effects worldwide. IPCC reports stress the need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and highlight that exceeding this threshold poses a major threat to human life, natural ecosystems, and biodiversity. The negative impacts associated with global warming manifest primarily in the following areas:
Compared to pre-industrial levels, the global average temperature has increased by approximately 0.85°C. A significant portion of this rise has occurred over the past 50 years, with human influence clearly detectable. In Türkiye, temperature increases are especially noticeable during summer months, with greater frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Between 2071 and 2100, annual average temperatures across Türkiye are projected to rise by 2.5°C to 4°C.
While no major change has been observed in Türkiye’s total annual precipitation, seasonal and regional variations are significant. A decline in summer rainfall is expected. By the end of the 21st century, precipitation is projected to decrease across much of Türkiye.
Over the past 100 years, sea levels have risen by approximately 19 cm. Due to climate change, the rate of sea level rise is expected to accelerate. In Türkiye’s coastal regions, this will lead to adverse outcomes such as erosion, saltwater intrusion, and loss of coastal land.
Alongside climate change, the frequency and intensity of extreme heat, heavy rainfall, floods, droughts, and storms are increasing. In Türkiye, such events have become more frequent in recent years and have caused greater economic losses. These negative impacts are felt more acutely in low-income countries and communities dependent on agriculture. Economic disparities between nations amplify the effects of climate change and hinder progress toward global development goals.
Climate Change (Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change)
Türkiye occupies a highly vulnerable position due to its location within the Mediterranean basin. According to the Mediterranean Experts Network on Environment and Climate Change report, the Mediterranean region is experiencing temperature increases 20% higher than the global average. This situation has led to the emergence of various environmental challenges in Türkiye.
Türkiye has begun to experience the effects of global warming in serious ways. These impacts are evident in the following areas:
Reduction in Water Resources: Declining water resources due to drought pose a major threat to the agricultural sector. Insufficient irrigation water reduces agricultural productivity and endangers food security.
Severe Droughts and Floods: Droughts and sudden heavy rainfall leading to floods have caused significant ecological degradation in many regions of Türkiye.
Forest Fires: The frequency of forest fires has increased in Türkiye’s Mediterranean and Aegean regions. These fires negatively affect both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Desertification and Erosion: Drought and unsustainable agricultural practices are intensifying problems such as desertification and soil erosion. This situation particularly threatens agricultural lands in inland areas.
Climate Change Mitigation Policies (MEB)
Türkiye is developing various strategies to prevent the adverse effects of climate change. These strategies aim to protect the environment while ensuring economic sustainability. Türkiye’s key initiatives in this area include:
Low-Carbon Economy and Renewable Energy: Türkiye is promoting the use of renewable energy sources as part of its transition to a low-carbon economy. Sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower play a significant role in the country’s energy policy.
Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is vital for reducing carbon emissions. Türkiye is implementing regulations to improve energy efficiency in buildings and supporting investments in this field.
International Cooperation: Türkiye is strengthening international cooperation in combating climate change. As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, Türkiye plays an active role at the global level.
National Climate Change Action Plans: Türkiye announced its National Climate Change Action Plan in 2011 and has taken steps across various sectors to address climate change in accordance with this plan.
Global Impacts of Climate Change
Rising Temperatures
Precipitation Changes
Sea Level Rise
Extreme Weather Events
Türkiye’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
Impacts of Climate Change in Türkiye
Türkiye’s Actions to Combat Climate Change