Türkiye Raises Renewable Energy Share to 62%, Accelerates Climate and Environmental Initiatives
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye has increased the share of renewable energy in its total installed electricity capacity to 62 percent through expanded wind and solar investments, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Friday.
Speaking at the Introduction Program of the Cemre Fund, President Erdoğan stated that the country has significantly strengthened its renewable energy portfolio by prioritizing wind and solar power projects. He added that Türkiye has also accelerated long-delayed investments in nuclear energy as part of efforts to diversify its energy mix and enhance energy security.
Highlighting environmental achievements, the President noted that Türkiye ranks among the leading countries globally in afforestation and is one of Europe’s fastest-growing nations in terms of forest assets. Over the past 23 years, more than 7.5 billion saplings have been planted nationwide, a campaign he described as “almost a revolution.”
Erdoğan further outlined plans to expand green urban spaces, with a target of delivering over 82 million square meters of public gardens across all 81 provinces. So far, 314 projects covering 38.7 million square meters have been completed.
Addressing global environmental challenges, the President warned that industrial waste, petroleum and pharmaceutical residues, plastics, chemical fertilizers, and other pollutants are rapidly contaminating air, water, and soil. He emphasized that microplastics pose one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems, noting that a single discarded plastic bottle can pollute the environment for nearly four centuries.
“Wherever we are in the world, it is neither possible nor right to ignore the climate and environmental crisis,” Erdoğan said, stressing the need for increased public mobilization, particularly among youth.
He described environmental awareness as both a “consciousness of homeland” and a responsibility toward future generations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting nature and ensuring a cleaner, more livable Türkiye.
The President also highlighted the Zero Waste Project, implemented under the auspices of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, describing it as a global environmental movement that forms the backbone of the country’s sustainability agenda.
In addition, Erdoğan confirmed that Türkiye will host COP31 this year in Antalya, welcoming representatives from nearly 200 countries following extensive diplomatic efforts.
“We will say, ‘It is no longer time for words, but for action,’” he declared, underscoring that Türkiye supports all initiatives that contribute to environmental protection without political discrimination.
