24 Turkish Local Authorities say‚"We are in" on the Paris Climate Agreement
24 cities, including three of the five biggest metropolis in Turkey, said “we are in” on the Paris Agreement and committed to the 1.5°C Goal
Last week, representatives of 24 Turkish municipalities assembled in pursuit of climate action and declared their intent to help limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2030. The 3-day long workshop was organized with the support of Bosporus University, UN SDSN Turkey, 350 Turkey and the Local Monitoring Research and Implementation Association.
Declaring their pledge for ambitious climate action, Adana Metropolitan Mayor Zeydan Karalar underlined cities’ role in the current crisis. He emphasized their consumption of 75% of the natural resources and their account for 70% of carbon dioxide emissions globally. The Cities for Climate Action Declaration also highlights that for a fair, equitable, and sustainable future, local leaders must take concrete steps against the climate crisis.
Karalar was joined by representatives from 24 local administrations during the press conference.
Mayor Utku Gumrukcu of Cigli and Fatma Şahin, Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan City and President of the Turkish Union of Municipalities, participated in the opening of the workshop. Şahin said “the most significant problem lies in the implementation of international agreements. We observe that our minds are not ready, but we need to start taking action immediately as it is a crisis now.”
A historic moment for climate action in Turkey
The declaration has historical importance as it is the first time that Turkish elected officials pledge for the Paris Agreement. They send a strong signal to Turkish society about the necessity of climate action and commit to fulfilling their responsibility to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
The declaration proves that local Turkish administrations also acknowledge the climate emergency and feel obliged to take concrete actions. Many economic, environmental, and social issues are deepening in Turkish cities as climate disasters are increasing day by day. The crisis rates high among the concerns of Turkey’s population with 61% of the society worried by the climate crisis.
The mayors also announced that they would:
- Prepare Climate Action Plans to reduce carbon emissions and take measurements to adapt to climate change, using the latest scientific information and following international standards,
- Prioritize sustainable transportation, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture practices in cities,
- Work together with, support and collaborate with local, national, and international institutions, entrepreneurs, co-ops and civil society for climate action,
- Prioritize readiness and preparedness for locked-in climate change effects in urban planning and zone planning processes to protect urbanites and infrastructures.
For full text of the declaration, click here.
Signatories
- Acıpayam Municipality (Denizli)
- Adana Metropolitan Municipality
- Ankara Metropolitan Municipality
- Avcılar Municipality (İstanbul)
- Aydın Metropolitan Municipality
- Bağcılar Municipality (İstanbul)
- Beşiktaş Municipality (İstanbul)
- Bodrum Municipality (Muğla)
- Bolu Municipality
- Bornova Municipality (İzmir)
- Bursa Metropolitan Municipality
- Çerkezköy Municipality (Tekirdağ)
- Çiğli Municipality (İzmir)
- Edirne Municipality
- Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality
- Fethiye Municipality (Muğla)
- İzmir Metropolitan Municipality
- Kadıköy Municipality (İstanbul)
- Karşıyaka Municipality (İzmir)
- Rize Municipality
- Sarıyer Municipality (İstanbul)
- Sultanbeyli Municipality (İstanbul)
- Tepebaşı Municipality (Eskişehir)
- Tunceli Municipality