Experts state that the COP28 summit was a platform where significant steps were taken in the fight against the global climate crisis, and that the decisions made constitute a basis for future climate policies and sustainable development strategies.
Evaluating Turkey's stance on the commitment of countries to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir said, “Turkey's decision not to sign this commitment, along with major economies like China and India, represents an approach that considers its own energy and economic needs.” Özdemir added that the upcoming local elections are an opportunity for a greener and cleaner world.
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, Director of the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Environmental Ethics Forum, made evaluations after the COP28 Climate Summit held in Dubai.
Climate change and ecological problems are among the existential threats for future generations as well
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir stated that the report prepared by the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Environmental Ethics Forum before COP28 resonated worldwide, and reminded that the “Mizan-World Environmental Convention” prepared by the university was discussed in a panel at COP28.
Noting that climate change and ecological problems are among the existential threats not only for us but also for future generations, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir said, “Understanding the dimension of these problems correctly and responding appropriately to them is of great importance not only for the current generation but also for our grandchildren and future generations.”
Time to act now to protect our future
Özdemir, pointing out the importance of taking necessary measures to maintain life's sustainability on Earth and leave a more livable world, said, “It will be possible for each of us to fulfill our responsibilities in this regard through a collective effort. It's time to act now to protect our future.”
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, emphasizing that the decision at COP28 is a significant turning point in reducing the share of fossil fuels in global energy production, continued as follows:
Global decarbonization process is accelerating
“The consensus reached by 118 countries on this issue emphasizes the importance of acting together in the fight against global climate change. For example, the European Union's investments for renewable energy transition and China's efforts to increase its solar energy capacity are part of this collective movement. This decision is a step that will accelerate the global decarbonization process necessary to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The commitment of countries to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030 is both ambitious and imperative. To achieve these goals, lessons can be learned from successes in renewable energy fields such as Germany's wind energy and Denmark's biomass energy. However, the realization of these targets depends on national policies as well as international cooperation and high financial investments.”
What does Turkey's non-signing of the commitment mean?
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, also evaluating Turkey's stance on the commitment of countries to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, noted the following:
“Turkey's decision not to sign this commitment, along with major economies like China and India, represents an an approach that considers its own energy and economic needs. Turkey's investment in alternative energy sources such as renewable energy and natural gas, while staying away from this commitment, reflects the country's energy security and economic growth priorities. However, this situation should be evaluated in terms of Turkey's long-term climate policies and sustainable development goals.”
“In this regard, Turkey should act with a moral responsibility in the light of science instead of short-term solutions. It should listen to all stakeholders when determining these policies. Decisions regarding the environment should be taken as a result of great solidarity. Thus, society will gladly implement these decisions.”
The role of nuclear energy among carbon-free energy sources
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, also evaluating the “Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy,” said, “It shows that nuclear energy can play an important role among carbon-free energy sources. However, the challenges posed by nuclear energy are clearly seen in examples such as France's nuclear waste management and Japan's Fukushima disaster after efforts to increase safety measures. This declaration may increase interest in nuclear energy, but this interest needs to be addressed in a balanced way in terms of safety, environmental impacts, and cost-effectiveness.”
COP28 was a platform where important steps were taken
Generally, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir explained that the COP28 summit was a platform where important steps were taken in the fight against the global climate crisis, stating, “For the promises made at this summit to be realized, developing countries, in particular, need to be supported in combating climate change, provided with financing, and technology transfer needs to be carried out. The decisions made constitute a basis for future climate policies and sustainable development strategies and can be considered an important step towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.”
Summit results revealed measures to be taken against the global climate crisis
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir concluded by stating that the COP28 summit was an event where important decisions were made in the fight against climate change, and that the summit's results clearly revealed the measures to be taken against the global climate crisis and future strategies, continuing as follows:
“Firstly, a strong commitment was demonstrated globally to reduce the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources. In this context, many countries were seen to pledge to increase the share of renewable sources in energy production and improve energy efficiency. Furthermore, taking into account the potential of nuclear energy, some countries took steps to increase their nuclear energy capacities. This decision emphasizes the role nuclear energy can play in reducing carbon emissions.”
“However, it also became clear that effective implementation of the COP28 decisions requires international cooperation, political will, and adequate financing. This summit reminds us that the steps taken in the fight against climate change are just the beginning and require continuous effort.”
Local elections an opportunity for a greener and cleaner world
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, also noting that the upcoming local elections offer an important opportunity, concluded by saying, “In these elections, let's cast our votes by acting with an environmentalist understanding. Let's not forget that local governments make decisions that directly affect our environment. Therefore, we should thoroughly inquire about candidates' plans and projects for environmental issues and evaluate their visions and commitments. The responsibility of creating a greener, cleaner, and sustainable environment begins at the ballot box. For this reason, let's support candidates who commit to taking concrete steps for environmental sustainability, support green policies, and prioritize environmental protection. Local elections are an important step we will take in acting with this awareness and protecting our environment.”