Turkey has pledged to reduce emissions by 41 percent by the year 2053

Deputy Head of Climate Change Department at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Dr. Tuğba Dinçbaş stated, “Approximately 72% of Turkey’s emissions come from the energy sector. As the Republic of Turkey, we pledge a 41% emission reduction by the year 2053. Within the framework of the net zero emissions vision, we plan to complete our commitments before October and submit them to the UN. These commitments cover areas such as agriculture, economy, and energy, which are extremely important for our country.”
INBUSINESS’ 2nd Sustainable Century Summit began with the participation of important representatives from the public, business, and art worlds. The theme of this year’s summit, following last year’s event, was determined as ‘Goals and Realities.’ Hülya Güler, Editor-in-Chief of INBUSINESS Magazine and Columnist for Sabah Newspaper, stated that inequality, droughts, floods, forest fires, and the resulting climate migration are making our planet a more challenging place to live. She emphasized the urgency and necessity of uniting around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, highlighting the vital importance of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
“Turkey is responsible for 1.2% of global emissions”
Dr. Tuğba Dinçbaş, guest speaker at a special session of the summit, pointed out that climate change started as an environmental issue but later transformed into an economic system matter. She emphasized that today climate change has become a security issue affecting areas such as water security, food security, and migration.
“Our country committed to a 41% emission reduction by 2053”
Dinçbaş mentioned Turkey’s commitment to net zero within the scope of the Paris Agreement, providing information about the country’s efforts in this regard. She also highlighted the establishment of an emissions trading system to guide companies in reducing carbon emissions.
“We need to enhance our trade routes and create connectivity”
Ambassador, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and EU Presidency Holder Mehmet Kemal Bozay, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and collective approach in the global climate fight, stating that Turkey plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in the region despite its challenges.
The first panel of the day, titled ‘Rethinking Business for Change,’ was moderated by Melis Bitlis, Director of Escarus.
“We have 45 million tons of recyclable waste in our country”
Mete İmer, Secretary-General of ÇEVKO Foundation, emphasized the efforts to contribute waste management to the national economy, highlighting the importance of reducing waste imports and processing domestic waste for sustainability.
“70% of our fleet consists of electric vehicles”
Doruk Malhan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Koleksiyon Furniture, shared the company’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, mentioning their transition to electric vehicles.
“Turkey is one of the fastest and most active countries in international sustainability efforts”
Bahar Güçlü, Deputy Director-General of International Agreements and the EU at the Ministry of Trade, discussed Turkey’s initiatives on international sustainable trade and the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the government.
“Europe cannot ignore us in the textile industry”
Ebru Küçük Güler, CSO of RE&UP, highlighted the quality and performance of Turkey in the textile industry, stating that the EU cannot overlook the country due to its competitiveness.
“We are the 5th largest in cement production worldwide”
Mehmet Ali Ceyhan, CEO and Board Member of Medcem Cement Group, addressed the responsibility of the cement sector in carbon emissions and emphasized the need for sectoral collaboration in utilizing waste materials.
“I am making a documentary to contribute to building a sustainable future”
Engin Altan Düzyatan, a director, producer, actor, and activist, shared his documentary filmmaking journey aimed at raising awareness about water scarcity issues globally, emphasizing the importance of educating society for a more sustainable future.