The 27^th Conference of the Parties (COP27) kicked off on 6 November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Speaking on the summit which will last until 18 November 2022, IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu stated that the climate crisis has now become a reality with the increase in the number of climate-related disasters such as drought, floods, and hurricanes, and that the commitments made since Glasgow last year should be put into action as soon as possible.

IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu made the following remarks:

“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessed that global temperature has increased about 1.1°C and is approaching 1.5°C. This reminds us once again of the importance of keeping the 1.5°C target within reach. Because we know that temperatures above this level will cause heat and humidity which threatens the life of half of the world's living population. We see that some climate activists and government officials did not attend this year's summit as there were some unsolved issues at COP26 held in Glasgow last year and some countries still refrain from setting ambitious climate targets. However, it should not be forgotten that in order for concrete steps to be taken, this summit should not lose its importance and high-level participation should continue every year.

It is also necessary to increase the technical and financial support provided especially to developing countries to reduce emissions and to increase the resilience of countries against the effects of climate change. Increasing the green financing sources is as important as the physical measures to be taken, so that the climate problem does not turn into a financing problem. In this respect, it is also very valuable that green finance and the loss and damage mechanism offered to the developing countries at COP27 will be discussed”.

IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also evaluated Türkiye’s climate goals ahead of COP27:

“Türkiye, which was the only OECD and G20 country that refused to ratify the Paris Agreement and endeavoured to put its request to be removed from Annex I on the COP agenda every year, finally became a part of the new climate regime ahead of COP26 last year. Türkiye not only became a party to the Paris Agreement but also announced a 2053 net-zero emission target. While Türkiye carried out preparations for its first Climate Law throughout the year, it has also announced that its nationally determined contribution (NDC) for 2030 would be updated in line with the 2053 net-zero emissions target and submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ahead of the COP27. Türkiye’s finalised nationally determined contribution is expected to be submitted to the UNFCCC secretariat during COP27. However, as stated in the joint call authored by IKV, TEPAV and IPM, it is of great importance that Türkiye brings forward a more ambitious nationally determined contribution as well as a date for the coal exit with regard to climate diplomacy and the fight against climate change.”

IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu concluded his remarks by highlighting the urgency of Türkiye’s green transformation:

“Located in the Mediterranean basin, Türkiye is expected to be one of the countries that will be most affected by climate change. Additionally, it should not be forgotten that Türkiye needs to take crucial steps concerning the environment and climate change due to both its EU accession bid and its intense trade relations with the EU. In order to get through this process in the least burdensome way, Türkiye needs to speedily publish and implement the Climate Law, which includes more ambitious targets.”