Experts state that climate destruction is an environmental crisis characterized by factors such as increasing global temperatures, a rise in natural disasters, and the degradation of ecosystems. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, President of the Environmental Ethics Forum, stating that climate destruction also leads to social and economic problems, said, “The increasing number of refugees in the world should also be viewed from this perspective. People who cannot meet their basic needs naturally leave their countries for a better life.”
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir: “By working together, we can leave a more livable planet for future generations”
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, President of the Environmental Ethics Forum at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, evaluated the climate crisis, referring to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s statement ‘climate destruction has begun’.
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir reminded that, as Guterres stated, the whole world experienced a hot summer, and temperatures exceeding predictions caused large fires on one hand and droughts on the other. He also stated that as a result of climate change, major flood disasters were witnessed this year, and the flood disaster in Libya alone caused material and moral losses.
Climate destruction is an environmental crisis
Prof. Dr. Özdemir noted:
“First and foremost, climate destruction is an environmental crisis characterized by factors such as increasing global temperatures, a rise in natural disasters, and the degradation of ecosystems. This phenomenon is largely a result of human impact and stems from human activities such as the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, excessive use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities.
One of the main causes of climate destruction is the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to the warming of our planet. The burning of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions from industrial facilities, and deforestation contribute to the increase of these gases. This strengthens the greenhouse effect, resulting in climate changes such as rising sea levels, temperature increases, extreme weather events, and droughts.”
The degradation of ecosystems, the source of all beauty, is also a climate destruction
Prof. Dr. Özdemir also noted that another aspect of climate destruction is the degradation of ecosystems, which are the source of all beauty in the world. He added that rising temperatures destroy natural habitats and lead to the extinction of many species.
Prof. Dr. Özdemir explained that ocean acidification damages coral reefs and makes life difficult for marine organisms, and deforestation reduces carbon absorption capacity, which in turn leads to a faster accumulation of greenhouse gases. He added:
People who cannot meet their basic needs are leaving their countries
“Climate destruction also leads to social and economic problems. Drought affects agricultural areas and reduces food production, leading to rising food prices and increased hunger. Extreme weather events cause millions of people to lose their homes and incur economic damage. Rising sea levels threaten coastal areas and can displace millions of people. The increasing number of refugees in the world should also be viewed from this perspective. People who cannot meet their basic needs naturally leave their countries for a better life.”
What are the consequences of climate destruction?
Prof. Dr. Özdemir stated that if climate destruction continues, the future of our planet will be in serious danger, saying, “When we talk about our future, we are talking about a time our children and grandchildren will live in. Rising sea levels can submerge coastal areas and cause major cities to be flooded. Extreme temperatures can render agricultural areas unproductive and lead to food crises. The degradation of ecosystems reduces biodiversity and causes species extinction. Increasing social conflicts can trigger waves of migration and displace millions of people.”
Action should be taken instead of despair…
Prof. Dr. Özdemir emphasized the importance of taking action to prevent and mitigate climate destruction instead of falling into despair. He stated that the first step is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources, adding that using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and that increasing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable transportation systems are also important.
We have a chance to stop and mitigate this crisis
Underlining the vital importance of international cooperation in combating climate change, Prof. Dr. Özdemir said, “In conclusion, climate destruction is one of the biggest threats our planet faces. However, we have a chance to stop and mitigate this crisis. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in sustainable energy sources, protecting forests, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring international cooperation are crucial steps in combating climate change. By working together, we can leave a more livable planet for future generations.”
Prof. Dr. Özdemir stated that unlimited growth is not possible in a limited world, adding that science says everything in the world has a limit and quantity, that the amount of fresh water, and water in seas and oceans is known, and that environmental problems cannot be solved with unlimited development models.
The impact of climate change on natural disasters
Prof. Dr. Özdemir listed the effects of climate change on natural disasters as temperature increase and extreme heatwaves, rising sea levels and floods, drought, extreme weather events, and forest fires, thus highlighting the critical importance of efforts to combat climate change and ensure environmental sustainability.
Prof. Dr. Özdemir also explained that the impact of climate change on natural disasters makes these disasters more frequent and severe, thus posing a greater threat to societies, ecosystems, and economies. He added that climate change is a complex problem with various effects on human health.
Prof. Dr. Özdemir also pointed to issues such as extreme temperatures and the diseases they cause, air pollution, and changes in water supply. He noted that climate change can lead to drought and a reduction in drinking water sources, making access to clean water more difficult and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Furthermore, he stated that rising temperatures can negatively affect food production, leading to higher food prices and food security problems.
Prof. Dr. Özdemir concluded his remarks by saying, “Today's developed countries are taking serious measures on these issues and striving to reduce the impact of the devastating consequences of climate change. This difference can be seen more clearly when comparing the material and moral losses caused by natural disasters in developed countries versus less developed countries. The biggest victims of climate destruction will be our children and grandchildren. Whether they will remember us with gratitude or with condemnation seems to depend on what we do today. We must act to prevent climate destruction. We must engage in positive communication with those in decision-making positions and use our democratic rights and power.”