While temperature values are increasing every year in Turkey, which is one of the countries negatively affected by global climate change, this causes drought and environmental problems. Recent research has underlined that 36 of 81 cities in Turkey are at ‘high’ or ‘very high’ climate risk due to the increase in global temperature, and attention has been drawn to the risks revealed in the “Turkey’s 2024 Climate Report Card” report prepared by non-governmental organizations. Europe. In the latest report published by NGOs including Climate Action Network, Greenpeace Turkey, TEMA Foundation, Clean Air Right Association and WWF-Turkey (Wildlife Protection Foundation), Turkey’s solar It was emphasized that the target of quadrupling the wind energy capacity stands out as a positive step, and that the potential of renewable energy is very high, but the fact that this target is not yet included in the national energy plan creates concern.
IT CAUSES PROBLEMS
It is stated that one of the issues evaluated negatively in the “Environment Report Card” is the plan to expand the Afşin-Elbistan A coal-fired thermal power plant. The report emphasizes the importance of renewable energy potential and says, “It is planned to add two new units the size of a new power plant to the Afşin-Elbistan A Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant in Kahramanmaraş. However, the pollution caused by the existing thermal power plant shows that the regulatory limits are exceeded by up to 8 times. “Considering the environmental and health problems that have been going on in the region for 40 years in the shadow of coal, this project should be abandoned.”
OUR CAPACITY IS VERY HIGH
The report states that Turkey is the third country with the highest number of participants in the United Nations 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), but that the timetable for abandoning the consumption of fossil fuels is uncertain, and includes the following recommendations: “According to the ‘Energy Conversion Renewable Energy 2035’ road map In 2035, Turkey’s installed power of solar and wind in renewable energy will increase 4 times compared to today and reach 120 GW. This target, which indicates a very ambitious increase in Turkey’s renewable energy capacity, may be an important turning point on the way to the 2053 net zero target. However; Within the scope of the road map, it is envisaged that the permit processes will be shortened. However, renewable energy projects should be planned by taking into account the integrity of ecosystems and with the participation of the public.”
IT MUST BE A FAIR EXIT
“The report, which also states that the gaps in current regulations have caused the pressure of energy projects to increase on natural areas, also includes the following warnings: “The draft Climate Law, which is expected to come into force in 2024 and will form the legal basis for Turkey’s climate policies, has not come to the Parliament. “There should be a 35 percent absolute emission reduction target by 2030, and a fair exit from coal should be targeted.”
ONE IN 5 COUNTRIES
“Biological diversity and natural ecosystems should be protected by law, adaptation mechanisms should be established and an independent scientific board should be established to monitor policy goals and implementation. 23 countries in Europe have decided to phase out coal. Türkiye is one of the five countries in Europe, along with Poland, Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, that have not decided to phase out coal.“
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