
As a result of its work in the fields of climate change and energy, İzmir has become one of the leading cities in Europe and has been included in the European Union (EU) Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission. It continues its work with the target of zero carbon in 2030. İzmir, which is the first city to be awarded the Mission Label outside of EU member cities, is preparing to set an example for the world with the practices it will implement.
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality continues its efforts to combat the climate crisis. Izmir, which accepted the call of the European Commission to combat the climate and became the first city outside of the EU member cities to receive the title of "EU Cities Mission Label", continues its success in the international arena with nature-friendly projects.
Tugay: We must inspire cities in Türkiye and Europe
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay, who drew attention to the fact that Izmir is the first city in Turkey to progress towards climate neutrality, said, “Izmir has a commitment to the European Union. Izmir is the city that the European Union supports, believes in and has given responsibility in this regard. We have an obligation to be aware of this, use this as an argument and develop partnerships. We should work in such a way that we make this city a city of healthy people. We should be pioneers and inspire cities in Turkey and Europe. Izmir is the most beautiful city in the world for us. It is a unique, irreplaceable city that we cannot tolerate or allow to be harmed, and a very valuable city for us. We have a series of studies such as reducing fossil fuel use, switching to renewable energy sources and taking measures to balance carbon emissions with the investments and projects we will make. We can make Izmir a carbon neutral city. We need to be determined, conscious, work hard and not give up on the goal. We will work diligently to leave a spotlessly clean Izmir for future generations with its air and water. “I hope we will be proud to be a part of this story,” he said.
Energy consumption in Izmir will be decarbonized with digital solutions
Participating in the call of the NetZeroCities program, which aims for 2030 European cities to reach climate neutrality by 100 and supports efforts in this direction, İzmir became the city that qualified to be supported within the scope of 12 pilot cities and 25 different pilot activities from 21 countries with its project. Work on the “Decarbonization in Electricity with Digital Solutions (GCC-SYNERGY)” project prepared by the Global Climate Community (KİT) İzmir, which was established under the leadership of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and includes city stakeholders in order to reach İzmir’s zero carbon target, started in September. The project will continue for 2 years under the coordination of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and in partnership with ENSIA (Energy Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association), Ege University, GDZ Elektrik AŞ, Aegean Forest Foundation and İZENERJİ. The project aims to decarbonize energy consumption in İzmir by conducting pilot awareness-raising efforts on energy consumption, which is one of the most important causes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Izmir's climate risk assessment will be carried out
Another project prepared by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality within the scope of climate neutral studies is the Climate Ready Izmir: Development of Resilience Strategies (CRIZ-ERS) Project. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, which participated in the CLIMAAX project call funded within the scope of the Climate Change Adaptation Mission, was entitled to receive a grant of 145 thousand Euros. Within the scope of the project, Izmir's current Risk and Vulnerability Analysis will be re-evaluated and developed by a group of experts, and Climate Adaptation Action Plans will be created on the Izmir and Konak scale.
Izmir's international power has increased
Fifty-three cities that submitted Climate City Contracts (CCC) within the scope of the EU Cities Mission Programme in 2024 have been awarded the Mission Label. İzmir has become the first city outside of the EU member states to be awarded the Mission Label, and the first and only city from Turkey to receive this title. The Climate City Contracts define the city's climate commitments, action plan and investment strategy to become climate neutral by 2030. The mission aims to support 2030 European cities to achieve climate neutrality with R&D and innovation funds by 100. İzmir, which was awarded the EU Cities Mission Label by the European Commission, has also had easier access to grants and funds provided by the European Union for activities to be carried out on climate change. İzmir, which has accelerated its goal of reaching climate neutrality with the projects it has received grants for, has gained a strong position within Europe's smart cities network. These steps taken towards combating climate change and building a sustainable future will contribute to Izmir becoming an exemplary city not only in Turkey but throughout Europe.
20 billion Euro investment
In order for Izmir to reach its climate neutral target, all institutions and organizations in the city, civil society organizations, industrial sites and citizens need to be involved in the process. In this way, studies in areas such as transportation, urban transformation, waste management and agriculture will be carried out in accordance with climate change. The emission value that needs to be reduced for Izmir to become climate neutral is 21 million 653 thousand 556 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. An investment of 20 billion Euros is planned for this.