SÜT-D: “We Must Accelerate Our Climate Action, We Must Take Steps for Turkey”

The Sustainable Production and Consumption Association (SÜTD) issued a statement on World Environment Day on 5 June, drawing attention to the deepening climate crisis and calling for accelerated climate action. SÜTD President Prof. Dr. Filiz Karaosmanoğlu emphasized that strong and concrete steps must be taken in response to the climate emergency signals the world is sending.

Istanbul Technical University Faculty Member and SÜTD President Prof. Dr. Filiz Karaosmanoğlu recalled that the global theme of World Environment Day 2026 is "climate action" and Turkey's Environment Week theme is "zero waste," noting that faster and more determined action is needed in fighting climate change.

World Environment Day Focuses on Climate Action
Karaosmanoğlu noted that World Environment Day, celebrated under the auspices of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), is being marked this year with the climate action theme, and that host country Azerbaijan is organizing events under the theme "Taking inspiration from nature for our climate, for our future."

Noting that Turkey's Environment Week, celebrated 1-7 June, focuses on the zero waste approach, Karaosmanoğlu stated that World Environment Day has particular significance ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Antalya in November 2026.

"The World is Sending Climate Emergency Signals"
Noting that the effects of the climate crisis have now become part of daily life, Prof. Dr. Filiz Karaosmanoğlu said:

"Heat waves, droughts, forest fires, glacier melt, rising sea levels and ecosystem damage caused by increasing greenhouse gas emissions are becoming more visible every day. The world has been sending climate emergency signals for some time. However, responses to these signals have often been delayed or insufficiently strong. Now is the time to develop and implement solutions."

Karaosmanoğlu noted that renewable energy investments, circular economy practices, sustainable urban planning, reforestation efforts and climate technologies are important tools in combating climate change, emphasizing that all stakeholders must be part of this transformation.

81 Provinces, 81 Billion Steps
Stating that activities to be held within the scope of Turkey's Environment Week will make important contributions to raising environmental awareness, Karaosmanoğlu drew attention to the "81 Provinces, 81 Billion Steps Environmental Walk" organized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

The event, which will begin on 5 June from Ankara Kızılcahamam, will allow citizens to take 10,000 steps within 24 hours through the "81 Billion Steps" mobile application to participate in prize drawings.

Activities will also include:
-Joint tree-planting with students,
-Environmental Inspector applications,
-Photography contests,
-Environment-friendly bicycle tours organized within the scope of World Bicycle Day,
-A Zero Waste Festival at Atatürk Airport 4-7 June.

"Let Us Take Steps for Turkey's Future"
Emphasizing the importance of individual and social participation in combating climate change, Prof. Dr. Filiz Karaosmanoğlu concluded her remarks as follows:

"Climate action is the responsibility not only of institutions or countries, but of all of us. Every step we take matters for a more livable future. On the occasion of World Environment Day, we invite everyone to strengthen their environmentally conscious living habits, support climate action and take steps for Turkey's future."