Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Mr. Ömer Bulut, attended the Climate and Urbanization Ministers Meeting representing our country at Baku COP29. The meetings, where the connection between urbanization and climate change was discussed, aimed to strengthen local and national cooperation.
Deputy Minister, Mr. Ömer Bulut, drew attention to the vital role of cities in combating climate change, cities are also an important part of the solution. With innovative approaches, technological developments and the active participation of local governments, cities can play a leading role in the transition to a low-carbon and resilient future.”
Türkiye’s Climate Change Combating Policies Explained
Explaining the policies Türkiye has followed in combating climate change, Mr. Bulut said, “Türkiye has determined its climate change combating policies with the National Climate Change Action Plan and National Contribution Declaration. These policies include important targets in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transportation and waste management.” Emphasizing the scope of urbanization policies, Mr. Bulut said, “Our country’s urbanization policies include accessible and sufficient housing for everyone and resilient cities. To this end, our country has produced 1 million 500 thousand houses and urban transformation housing in almost all of our cities through public administration.”
“We are Rapidly Carrying Out Our Construction Activities of 500 Thousand Houses in the Earthquake Zone”
Stating that Türkiye is struggling not only with floods and fires caused by climate change, but also with natural disasters such as earthquakes, Deputy Minister Mr. Bulut said, “As is known, nearly 800 thousand houses were damaged in 11 provinces in the earthquake that occurred on February 6, 2023. We are rapidly carrying out the construction activities of 500 thousand houses in the places affected by the earthquake.” Emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in this process, Mr. Bulut said, “I would like to thank the countries that were with us after the earthquake once again.”
Smart Cities and National Gardens as a Solution to Carbon Emissions
In addition, Mr. Bulut drew attention to smart city applications and national garden projects and said, “With smart city applications, we make people’s lives easier and increase energy efficiency. In addition, we are building national gardens in an area of ??81 million square meters in all our cities to reduce carbon emissions.”
Thanks to Azerbaijan and Emphasis on International Cooperation
At the end of his speech, Mr. Bulut expressed his thanks to the friendly and brotherly country Azerbaijan and said, “On this occasion, I would like to thank the countries that were with us after the earthquake once again. I hope that this event hosted by our friendly and brotherly country, Azerbaijan, will reveal the power of cities in the fight against climate change and inspire the entire world.”
