Increasing temperatures every year, devastating extreme weather events, rising sea levels and rapidly losing biodiversity reveal the ruthless face of climate change on our planet. In order to draw attention to this dangerous trend, raise global awareness and combat climate change, May 15 is celebrated as 'World Climate Day' all over the world. Acting with the responsibility of leaving a greener, more livable Mersin and world to future generations, Mersin Metropolitan Municipality carries out long-term and comprehensive studies against this global threat.
Climate Fight with the Understanding of “A Green Investment in the Future”
Mersin Metropolitan Municipality acts with a strategic approach to minimize the effects of climate change and ensure the environmental sustainability of the city with the principle of “A Green Investment in the Future”. In this context, a wide range of projects are being implemented, from waste management to increasing green areas, from renewable energy production to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Metropolitan Municipality focuses on producing sustainable and innovative solutions that respect nature, with the awareness that the climate crisis is not only an environmental problem but also has deep and serious effects on the economy, health and social life.
Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) Roadmap
In this context, Mersin Metropolitan Municipality has determined the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) as its basic roadmap. Within the framework of this plan, a detailed inventory study is being conducted with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the city and the current situation is being meticulously analyzed. In addition, the data obtained through the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is regularly reported to international platforms, ensuring transparency and accountability. In line with this plan, the Metropolitan Municipality is working with all its might with the vision of creating a city resilient to the climate crisis.
Sustainable Solutions in Energy Conversion and Waste Management
Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, which attaches great importance to energy transformation, is taking concrete steps to popularize the use of renewable energy sources. In this context, electricity is produced from methane gas formed in solid waste storage areas, thus meeting both energy needs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar power plants (SPP), which are a clean and sustainable source, are put into operation to meet the energy needs of municipality service buildings and facilities. This long-term investment not only reduces energy costs, but also makes significant contributions to the reduction of carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. Zero Waste projects, which are implemented with the aim of minimizing environmental pollution, aim to prevent waste formation at its source and to recycle the waste generated by separating it.
Compost Production and Modern Waste Disposal
Mersin Metropolitan Municipality separates domestic and organic waste with its own compost facilities and relieves the burden on waste storage areas. At the same time, this process supports the formation of natural fertilizer and contributes to agricultural production. Domestic and qualified solid waste is processed in modern and environmentally friendly disposal facilities, preventing wild storage and protecting environmental health.
Awareness Raising Activities for Future Generations
The MERCAN 100th Year Climate and Environment Science Center, which was established by the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality with the aim of raising awareness of climate change and environmental issues, especially among the younger generations, offers its visitors an entertaining and educational experience with its interactive experiment setups, workshops and educational programs. The center makes significant contributions to children and young people gaining environmental awareness at an early age. In addition, various trainings, seminars and awareness events are organized on environmental awareness and sustainability for different target groups, encouraging the participation of all segments of society in the fight against the climate crisis. Mersin Metropolitan Municipality attaches great importance to cooperation with local stakeholders as well as national and global scales in the fight against the climate crisis.
Nursel Cansu Kaya: “We Have Made It Our Mission to A More Livable World”
Environmental Engineer Nursel Cansu Kaya, who works at the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Climate Change and Zero Waste Department, explained the projects and practices of the Metropolitan Municipality in combating climate change and said, “The most important of these is the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP). SECAP is an essential project that we use as a basis in all units of the Metropolitan Municipality and the departments under its roof, as well as in all district administrations. Thanks to this project, we have made climate change adaptation and reduction action plans. We aim to offer our citizens a more peaceful and livable Mersin. This is an issue that not only the Metropolitan Municipality, but everyone from local to private should work on with all their heart and soul. We have made it our duty to aim for a more livable world. In this context, as the Metropolitan Municipality, we have become members of a number of platforms on both a national and international scale.”
Climate Management Target at European Standards
Kaya, who touched upon the importance of international collaborations in the works of the Metropolitan Municipality, said, “In order to increase the visibility of the works carried out by the Metropolitan Municipality, we have become members of platforms such as the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCOM) and the International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). By becoming members of these platforms, we aim to provide management at European standards in the fight against climate change. Within the scope of our Climate Change and Zero Waste Department, we have had CLIMAXX and REMEDIES-2 projects within the scope of the European Union very recently. Thanks to these projects, both our visibility increases and we continue our efforts to create a more livable Mersin in the management of climate change and the climate crisis.”
The Importance of Environmentally Friendly Practices and Citizen Participation
Kaya, who stated that they provide services with environmentally friendly practices to minimize the effects of climate change, emphasized that they significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions thanks to electricity generation from methane gas obtained from garbage in solid waste storage areas. He added that compost production from organic waste and environmental awareness training for children are also ongoing. Kaya reminded that in addition to the efforts of municipalities, citizens' fulfilling their individual responsibilities such as reducing electricity and water consumption, preventing waste generation and acting with recycling awareness play a critical role in the climate fight. On the occasion of May 15 World Climate Day, the determined steps taken by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality for a green future and the importance of all citizens' participation in this fight are emphasized once again.
