Türkiye's Climate Network Introduced with a Press Conference

15 civil society organizations working in the field of climate in Türkiye have gathered under the roof of "Climate Network". Introduced at a press conference held in İstanbul, the Climate Network aims to contribute to the development of national climate policies with scientifically based and realistic targets.

At the meeting where the network was introduced to the public, members of the Climate Network emphasized that greenhouse gas emissions must be rapidly reduced in order to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C. It was also noted that steps such as the phase-out from coal in electricity generation, a fair energy transition and the protection of natural areas would increase social welfare.

At the meeting, current climate policies of Türkiye were also evaluated, and the need for interim targets compatible with the Paris Agreement targets was expressed. TEMA Foundation Environmental Policies and International Relations Department Vice President Berna Balcıoğlu drew attention to the shortcomings of the draft Climate Law and stated that they believe the Climate Network will be an effective party in this process. Balcıoğlu said, “In order to achieve climate justice, all parties affected by the climate crisis must be actively included in policy-making processes.”

At the same time, in the panel titled "Overview of Climate Policies in Türkiye: Evaluation of 2024 and Expectations from 2025", civil society demands regarding the second National Climate Goal (NDC) expected to be announced in 2025 were shared. It was pointed out that the phase-out from coal is essential to reach the net zero target and that renewable energy projects should be implemented in a way that respects nature. In addition, the importance of job security and rights-based plans in the just transition strategy was emphasized.

The Climate Network has been established with the participation of organizations such as the European Climate Action Network (CAN Europe), Buğday Association for Supporting Ecological Life, ClientEarth, Nature Association, Greenpeace Türkiye, Law, Nature and Society Foundation (HUDOTO), Climate Change Policy and Research Association (İDPAD), 350 for Climate Association (350 Türkiye), Spatial Justice Association (MAD), Sustainable Economy and Finance Research Association (SEFİA), Clean Air Right Association (THHD), Prosumer Economy Association, TEMA, Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion, Afforestation and Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA Foundation), WWF-Turkey (Wildlife Protection Foundation) and Green Thought Association (YDD).