Climate Change and Environmental Issues Discussed

Climate Change and Environmental Issues Assessed ANGİAD held the "Green Transformation in Industry and Sustainable Development Summit" at the Bilkent Hotel with the participation of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum. Onat stated in his speech that climate change and environmental problems are shared issues for Turkey and the world. Noting that nature is continuously losing ground despite the increase in industrial production, Onat said, "As industrialists, we must work to prevent this and spread the understanding of green transformation and circular economy to every area of our country." Onat highlighted the need to take action to leave a more livable world for future generations, and explained that they find valuable the efforts toward zero emission targets such as supporting business people, relocating old industrial areas, implementing zero waste models in industry, and allocating idle lands for renewable energy production. Emphasizing that no one can remain indifferent to these problems while experiencing the destructive effects of climate change daily, Onat stated, "I want to underscore that, proceeding from the reality that transformation in industry is essential in combating climate change, we are ready for solidarity and cooperation with all stakeholders." "We must be part of the solution" Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) Chairman Gürsel Baran also pointed out that problems such as drought, floods and forest fires affect the entire world, noting that the UN has taken steps including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement on this matter. Baran stated that within the framework of the Paris Climate Agreement, which Turkey is also a party to, steps must be taken to reduce carbon emissions. Recalling that the European Union (EU) subsequently implemented the European Green Deal, Baran informed that carbon border adjustment mechanism has been launched under this agreement. Baran stated that from 2026 onwards, a carbon tax will be applied at the border, saying, "Europe said 'From 2026, I will tax the products I import.' Knowing the taxes we will pay if we do not make the necessary arrangements for the EU's carbon border mechanism, we know we will face significant problems." Baran pointed out that industrialists and traders must also support the work being conducted in this area, saying, "We all must hold together and be part of solving this problem. If we don't, after 2026 we will have to leave the profits of the exports we make to pay the taxes we owe to the EU. This is a truly important issue. If we don't take the necessary steps from now on, difficult days await the generations after us." Providing information about the work ATO will conduct in this area, Baran said: "We are establishing a unit under the name of Green Transformation Office. We are preparing to set up a Green Transformation Office where we will provide technical support and draw roadmaps for how our business people and SMEs will move forward. We will bring this to life soon. I believe we will overcome this as a country. I think we need to take all necessary steps while moving toward a carbon neutral process."

"The solution is to abandon fossil fuels"

  Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO) Chairman Seyit Ardıç drew attention to the fact that climate change is one of the biggest ecological problems fundamentally affecting the global economy, and noted that Turkey is one of the countries at risk in terms of the negative effects of climate change. Citing research conducted by examining a total of 13,000 cities, Ardıç stated that 18 percent of global emissions comes from the top 100 cities with the largest carbon footprint, saying: "Ankara ranks 80th on this list. According to the Ankara Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory Report, 11 percent of total emissions in our province comes from manufacturing and construction, and 5 percent comes from the cement sector. Given this situation, it is of great importance that we accept our responsibilities and operate with a sustainable production mindset. In other words, we have polluted so we will clean up, we have borrowed so we will pay our debt. We are aware that the European Green Deal, which forms the backbone of combating climate change, is a deep transformation program. For companies to achieve sustainable success, financial performance alone is insufficient. Companies must also demonstrate the non-financial value they create for society and the environment and properly manage sustainability risks. Beyond all our success targets, we must focus on the goal of leaving our children a green world with at least as much opportunity to live as we have found, and we must pay our debt to the future. The solution is very clear: to rapidly abandon fossil fuel use, reduce consumption, and develop negative emission technologies in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause the climate crisis. Ardıç noted that during his tenure as board chairman, ASO implemented the "Industry's Green Route Project" aimed at guiding industrialists in the transition to green and circular economy in ASO 2nd Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ), stating: "In addition to these, the TÜRKAK accreditation process was initiated to provide certification services to our industrialists on energy and environmental management systems. With World Bank financing, preliminary approval was obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Technology for the establishment of a "Waste Separation and Biogas Facility." As ASO 2nd OIZ, necessary applications were made to the Ministry of Industry and Technology to become a "Green OIZ." With the awareness that transformation in industry is essential for a sustainable future, we are working to maintain the ecological industry culture we have founded in ASO 2 OIZ within ASO. As ASO, we will continue our efforts for an industry that focuses on long-term goals, considers the benefit to society, and is responsible toward the ecosystem. We stand alongside Ankara's industry on the path of sustainable production." Source (AA)