Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, delivered a strong message in New York, urging global cooperation against climate change and emphasizing immediate action over continued discussion.
Speaking at a gathering of business leaders and NGO representatives at the Turkish House during the International Zero Waste Day events, Kurum highlighted Türkiye’s vision for COP31 and the global impact of the Zero Waste Movement.
He stated clearly: climate change is no longer a warning or a scenario—it is a reality already shaping economies, food systems, water security, and global stability.
“Nature No Longer Warns, It Shows Results”
Kurum underlined that extreme weather events have intensified dramatically over the past decades, while global temperatures are rapidly approaching the critical 1.5°C threshold. He warned that humanity now faces a decisive choice: continue current habits or actively reverse the damage.
“Nature is no longer giving warnings—it is showing consequences,” he said, calling for a shift from passive observation to collective responsibility.
Zero Waste as a Global Model
Türkiye’s Zero Waste Movement, led under the vision of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Emine Erdoğan, was presented as one of the world’s largest environmental initiatives. Kurum stressed that the project is not just an environmental policy but a comprehensive development model rooted in sustainability.
He noted that:
- Over 205,000 buildings in Türkiye have adopted the Zero Waste system
- More than 25 million people have received training
- Recycling rates increased from 13% to over 36%
Türkiye now aims to raise this rate to 60% by 2035 and 70% by 2053.
COP31: From Dialogue to Action
Kurum emphasized that COP31 will not be a conventional summit but a turning point focused on implementation.
“We don’t have time to lose in discussions. The world expects results,” he said, adding that the summit will prioritize concrete timelines, investments, and measurable outcomes.
A Stark Warning: Future Conflicts Over Water
Highlighting global risks, Kurum warned that future conflicts may shift from energy resources to water scarcity.
“You may survive without energy, but not without water,” he stated, pointing to growing threats to food and water security.
Call for Global Unity
Addressing NGOs and the business community, Kurum described them as key actors in building trust and driving real change. He urged all stakeholders to move beyond criticism and take responsibility.
“If we act together, this crisis can be managed and the future can be saved,” he concluded.
