The ‘Climate Mersin Meeting’ was held in Mersin.

As part of the activities of the Climate Change Adaptation Project ‘Take Action for Climate Change Adaptation’ of the Department of Environmental Protection and Control of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, the ‘Climate Conference Mersin’ was held with the participation of project partners MTSO, TÜBİTAK MAM, and MedCities within the scope of ‘Climate Mersin Meeting’. At the grant introduction meeting of the Climate Change Adaptation Grant Program (CCAGP), it was aimed to establish a strong collaboration with local governments, public institutions, private sector representatives, universities, and NGO representatives in Mersin on adaptation to climate change. The meeting also discussed what all components of the city should do to create a more resilient city against the negative impacts of climate change.
One of the goals of the project is to increase renewable energy sources. Bülent Halisdemir, the Head of the Department of Environmental Protection and Control, stated that the general aim of the project ‘Take Action for Climate Change Adaptation’ is to increase the capacities of decision-makers and local actors in Mersin for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Halisdemir emphasized that one of the goals of the project is to increase renewable energy sources and mentioned the municipality’s environmentally friendly projects. He stated that waste reduction is also crucial and activities will be carried out to explain how organic waste produced in homes can be turned into compost. Halisdemir also mentioned the ongoing ‘Green Future for Port Cities Partnership’ project and the completed ‘Resist Climate Change’ project.
Halisdemir also addressed the specific reduction and adaptation measures for Mersin in terms of climate change adaptation, emphasizing how and when specific measures should be taken by whom. He expressed his opinions on ideas and solution proposals that would contribute to developing systems for adaptation to reduce vulnerability and minimize the negative effects of climate change, as well as enabling economic, political, social, and planning decisions for the future with the participation of local governments and decision-makers to enhance Mersin’s capacity and resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Mentioning that the meeting will also cover the necessary steps that all city components should take to create a more resilient city against the negative effects of climate change, Secretary General of MedCities, Josep Canals, talked about the importance of the project and the contribution they will provide, stating that addressing an important issue by the Metropolitan Municipality will greatly benefit Mersin. Canals mentioned that they will organize an important workshop in collaboration with Mersin Metropolitan Municipality with the participation of member countries in Barcelona.
For effective environmental combat, it is necessary to act collectively. Deputy Secretary General of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, Ali Rıza Özdemir, stated that climate change is one of the most significant problems of today, leading to various negative consequences such as diseases caused by viruses, decrease in water and food resources, desertification, melting glaciers, and facing disasters. Özdemir emphasized the need for individuals, communities, and governments to act collectively for an effective combat. He mentioned that various activities for climate change adaptation will be carried out in the joint project prepared by the Department of Environmental Protection and Control of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and financed by the European Union.
Hakan Sefa Çakır, the President of Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTSO), expressed that they will prepare the Mersin business world in the best way possible for adaptation to climate change, starting with priority sectors without discrimination and integrating our city’s economy into the studies on this issue. He stated, ‘Our goal is to prepare the Mersin business world for adaptation to climate change in the best possible way. Sectors with zero waste, an economy that protects the environment, and turning Mersin into a healthy and livable city are our aims.’