Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and Türkiye’s Chief Climate Negotiator, Ms. Fatma Varank, attended the “Climate Change Adaptation Document Update Meeting” held in Istanbul ahead of COP24, which will take place in Egypt under the Barcelona Convention—of which Türkiye is a party.
In her opening speech, Ms. Varank expressed her satisfaction at coming together to shape the strategic framework that will guide the Mediterranean region’s adaptation to climate change over the next decade. She emphasized that a significant step was taken at COP23 in Slovenia with the decision to establish the Mediterranean Climate Change Regional Activity Centre in Istanbul, underscoring the visionary leadership of the Mediterranean Action Plan.
Referring also to the Climate Law adopted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye last week, Ms. Varank stated that this legislation is a strong reflection of Türkiye’s political will and determination in climate policy. She highlighted the importance of the Strategy Document discussed at the meeting, noting that it will serve as a guiding reference for the Parties on key issues such as emissions trading systems, voluntary carbon markets, climate justice, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
