Page 11 - Çevre Şehir ve İklim Dergisi İngilizce - Özel Sayı

Since climate change and desertification affect each other, we have to carry
out combat and adaptation policies together. Thus, the creation of carbon-
oriented sink areas has an important function in combating both the climate
crisis as well as desertification and drought. We have developed our Carbon-
Oriented Sink Areas and Carbon-Neutral Cities project for this purpose. We will
complete our ongoing activities at a fast pace, including the extension of the
Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) approach to the whole country, updating
Basin-Based Desertification Action Plans in addition to risk and hazard maps, and
preparation of Natural Plant Guides in the Urban Landscape.
Climate Law is regarded as a framework of all our studies which is prepared
in cooperation with all our stakeholders, and is already on the agenda of our
Grand National Assembly. When the Climate Law enters into force in 2025, we
will accelerate the adaptation process even more and improve our capacity to
combat climate change.
In conclusion, we intend to move on to digital transformation, green
transformation in all our sectors and sub-sectors, especially the institutional
infrastructure for climate change adaptation in many areas ranging from water
resources management to biodiversity and ecosystem services, from agriculture
and food security to energy and industry, from transportation to cities, from
health to social development and disaster risk reduction; and to harmonize
production, distribution and consumption processes with the circular economy.
Non-governmental organisations as well as private sector and governments,
global organisations and even each individual have duties and responsibilities in
this regard. Therefore, it is important to adopt the principles of a common mind,
high level of participation and representation, justice, transparency and openness
at all levels, and to implement the circular economy model based on sustainable
and green development.
It is our urgent priority to protect our common home, our blue planet from these
irreversible crises and threats. As Türkiye, we have not overlooked the problems
experienced at any time in history. We have to make this world, entrusted to us,
safer and more livable for our children and young people bearing in mind that
we are the last generation that will reach the ship of humanity to a safer port
and stop the rot. Inspired by the values we have as members of a civilization
embraced with compassion, conscience and love, we have always been aware
of our responsibilities and voiced on every platform that a more just world is
possible. Under the leadership of our President and guided by these principles,
we will make all our cities resilient, especially in earthquake-affected areas, and
prepare them for the Century of Türkiye.

Murat KURUM
Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Changeı

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