The United Nations climate summit, also known as COP31, began in Antalya, Turkey, bringing together thousands of diplomats, corporate executives, and world leaders. The Turkish government is eager to showcase its prestige, but environmentalists are skeptical. They accuse the government of "greenwashing," or presenting an eco-friendly image while covering up destructive environmental practices. Turkey has taken steps to address climate change, including ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2021 and establishing a dedicated climate ministry.
According to Ümit Şahin, head of the climate change program at the Istanbul Policy Center, Turkey's motivation for hosting COP31 is largely about prestige and showcasing its capabilities as a serious middle power. Şahin notes that Turkey has been slow to take action on climate change, but deadly wildfires at home and European trade taxes forced a reality check. The Turkish government has launched initiatives such as the Zero Waste campaign, aimed at recycling or reusing all waste materials. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient.
Environmental activists, including Çiğdem Özbaş, a Turkish volunteer at the People's Climate Summit, are organizing a parallel conference to put pressure on world leaders. Özbaş accuses the Turkish government of stripping local protections, favoring business interests over farmers and rural communities, and suppressing domestic dissent. The activists point to COP31's sponsors, including infrastructure giant Limak Holding and real estate developer Sinpaş GYO, which have been criticized for their environmental practices.
Critics argue that Turkey's environmental projects, such as the Zero Waste campaign, are examples of greenwashing. Şahin points out that Turkey takes in more European plastic waste than any other nation, but instead of recycling it, it burns or dumps much of it. He argues that if Turkey is serious about Zero Waste, it needs to ban plastic waste imports. The Turkish Ministry of Climate did not respond to requests for comment.
Despite criticisms, some see opportunity in Turkey hosting COP31. Özlem Katısöz, with the Turkey chapter of Climate Action Network Europe, believes that hosting the summit forces Turkey to face its own laws and improve its domestic climate policies. She sees this as a chance for Turkish civil society to hold the government accountable and push for more effective climate action.
The Turkish government has released a promotional video showcasing its environmental efforts, but critics argue that these efforts are insufficient. The video features images of misty forests, majestic mountains, and the Turkish Minister of Climate speaking at a podium. However, activists argue that the government's actions do not match its rhetoric.
As COP31 continues, activists and critics will be watching Turkey's actions closely. While some see hosting the summit as an opportunity for Turkey to demonstrate its commitment to climate action, others argue that it is simply a chance for the government to greenwash its image. The outcome remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Turkey's hosting of COP31 has brought attention to its environmental practices and the need for more effective climate action.
Key points
- Critics accuse Turkey of greenwashing, or presenting an eco-friendly image while covering up destructive environmental practices.
- Turkey has taken steps to address climate change, including ratifying the Paris Agreement and establishing a dedicated climate ministry.
- Hosting COP31 has created an opportunity for Turkish civil society to hold the government accountable and push for more effective climate action.
