Erdogan warns climate change threatens humanity like war, pandemics

Climate crisis warning

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Sunday that climate change poses a grave threat to humanity comparable to war and global pandemics, speaking at the gala dinner of the Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul. "The climate issue is a serious problem that threatens all of humanity, just like war and global pandemics," he said, emphasizing the existential nature of environmental degradation.

Erdogan noted that rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence are accelerating production capabilities worldwide, while unsustainable consumption patterns continue to deplete natural resources at an alarming rate. The Zero Waste Movement has evolved into a global environmental mobilization recognized by the United Nations, reflecting Ankara's growing influence in international sustainability efforts, he added.

Economic and environmental gains

Projects implemented under the initiative have generated substantial economic value alongside environmental benefits, contributing 365 billion Turkish liras to the national economy, according to the president's figures. The program has yielded significant resource conservation, Erdogan stated, detailing savings of 2 trillion liters of water, 270 billion kilowatt-hours of energy, 60 billion liters of oil, and 390 million cubic meters of landfill space since its launch.

Recovery targets

Türkiye's recovery rate has climbed from 13% in 2017 to 37.53% this year, Erdogan said. Ankara aims to increase this figure to 60% by 2035 and to 70% by 2053, he added, underscoring the administration's long-term commitment to circular economy principles and sustainable development goals.