Tackling Climate Change Requires Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

"We Must Step Out of Our Comfort Zones on Climate Issues"

Yaşar University organized an online discussion as part of its "Current Science and Art Talks" series, featuring Aslı Pasinli, General Director of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Turkey Nature Conservation Foundation. Discussing climate change on Turkey's agenda and explaining WWF's activities, Pasinli said, "We must step out of our comfort zones and question what more we can do." Yaşar University continues to hold regular "Current Science and Art Talks." In the recent discussion featuring Aslı Pasinli, General Director of WWF Turkey Nature Conservation Foundation, participants discussed the current impacts of climate change and the responsibilities of civil society organizations. Discussing climate change on Turkey's agenda and explaining WWF's activities, Pasinli said, "We must step out of our comfort zones and question what more we can do."

"We are the first generation experiencing the effects of climate crises"

Pasinli, describing how the consequences of climate change are beginning to be felt worldwide, stated: "I do not want anyone to lose hope. Without hope, life cannot continue, but the picture is not encouraging either. 2021 was a year when the consequences of long-standing neglect came to the surface. We need to understand very well what we have experienced. Could it have been prevented? My answer in one word is yes. Everything we have experienced is the result of our damaged relationship with nature over the past 50 years. Zoonotic disease outbreaks have tripled in recent years. We are the first generation experiencing the effects of climate crises. We have an 8-year window ahead to take action. The steps we take by 2030 still give us opportunity. We need to take much bigger and more radical steps. According to the 2020 Living Planet Index, the populations of monitored animal species have declined by 68% since 1970. In less than half a century, average declines of two-thirds have been observed in mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish populations globally. The decline in freshwater species is 84%. Many lakes in Turkey have dried up in the past 20 years. Istanbul forests have declined by 17.5% over the past 30 years. Our planet has warmed by 1.2 degrees," he said.

"Internet searches for sustainable products increased by 71%"

Mentioning positive changes, Pasinli conveyed what needs to be done at individual and societal levels: "All changes have occurred during times when people were under great pressure. Internet searches for sustainable products increased by 71%. An incredible awareness has been created among consumers. Consumers are now demanding sustainable products. On Twitter, nature loss topics increased by 65%. Protest coverage increased by 103%. There is considerable activity at the public level as well. After the COP26 summit, commitments were announced. This year was the year Turkey signed the Paris Climate Agreement, and our country announced its carbon neutrality target date as 2053. There is a major shift in approaches. If we can make this transformation, it will contribute USD 490 billion annually to the global economy. With concrete steps taken, we can get results very quickly. As they say, 'prevention is better than cure,' we must protect what we have. Policies at the ministry level are very important. The logic of what we call green transformation is also the incentive system. Where incentives will be directed is very important. Europe has set clear targets in many areas. We are conducting intensive discussions at the ministry level. We are hearing reports that preparations are underway."

"When we stepped out of our comfort zones, we created an impact"

Discussing their relief efforts for the major fires that occurred in Muğla and Antalya in August 2021, Pasinli said: "When the fires started, we thought it was seasonal at first, but then it did not stop and grew larger. With our hands tied and tears in our eyes watching on television, we called our ministry and asked, 'What can we do?' We learned there was a shortage of equipment. For the first time as a civil society organization, we obtained permission to provide a fire-fighting helicopter. In 3 days, approximately EUR 1.5 million was raised. The helicopter operated in the fire zones for 57 hours over 7 days. This was a story of hope. The initial response was very important. I do not know how many birds and trees we saved, but for the first time, a civil society organization was allowed to intervene. When we stepped out of our comfort zones, we created an impact. Looking at this experience we have had, I am questioning what we need to do differently from now on. As individuals and as civil society organizations, it is worthwhile for us to step out of our comfort zones and question what more we can do," he said.

Business model for waste pickers

Discussing new corporate social responsibility projects, Pasinli said: "People who collect waste on the street are contributing to the environment on one hand, while working in an inhumane manner on the other. To solve this issue with a business model, we will put it on the table. We will collaborate with municipalities and human rights organizations. We aim to develop a model that enables waste collection and sorting from homes. This problem is everyone's problem. We need to be more united, create extraordinary partnerships. Individual transformations are needed in many areas," he added.   Source