In addition to causing drought, forest fires, erosion, restricted access to clean water, flooding, melting of glaciers and severe weather events, climate change also shows its effects on the seas in the form of rising sea levels, warming of the seas and oceans, acidification of the marine environment, negative impact on biodiversity and damage to the marine ecosystem.

Many scientific studies have predicted that the impacts of climate change observed across the oceans, the world’s largest carbon sink, will have catastrophic consequences for human societies. It is necessary to protect the oceans, which are the common heritage of humanity, mitigate the impacts of climate change and minimize these impacts by adapting to climate change.

It is of great importance to take global measures to avoid changes in world standards due to climate change. As mentioned in the “Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate” published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), mitigation and adaptation to climate change can only have a positive impact if global measures are taken to address the causes of climate change, support biological and ecological adaptation and improve social adaptation. The efforts carried out globally in this regard are reflected in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement adopted in this context, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Türkiye’s fight against climate change has also gained momentum in recent years with the entry into force of the Paris Agreement and within the framework of the ‘Net Zero Emissions by 2053’ and Green Deal’s targets. With the Presidential Decree No. 85 dated October 29, 2023, the name of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization was changed to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Climate Change Directorate was established under the Ministry. Furthermore, with the same Decree, the Coordination Board for Climate Change and Air Management was replaced by the Coordination Board for Climate Change and Adaptation (CBCC) and its membership structure was changed to increase its inclusiveness. In addition, it was decided that climate change negotiations would be led by a Chief Negotiator.

Türkiye takes an active role in international negotiations, including the UNFCCC, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Türkiye is taking steps to update its existing strategy, action plans and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) on climate change. In this context, Türkiye has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emission increase by 21% in 2015. With the Declaration of National Contribution made by Türkiye at the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, this rate was updated as 41% for 2030. It is also aimed for Türkiye to publish a Climate Change Law that includes policies, targets and regulations on climate change and Emissions Trading System (ETS), to determine the institutional framework and to carry out a holistic legislative work different from the existing Environmental Law and other legal regulations.

DEHUKAM carries out many projects in the field of marine environmental law related to climate change both in academic activities and in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. In this context, within the scope of the project carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change during the preparation process of the 22nd Meeting of the Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP 22), DEHUKAM prepared opinions in order to determine the country’s policy, organized a Youth Event, contributed to the preparation of the COP 22 Theme and Ministerial Declaration and the development of our country’s policy at COP 22. At COP 22, DEHUKAM played a pioneering role in taking important decisions on climate change for both the Mediterranean and the world.

Upon the invitation of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, DEHUKAM contributed as a speaker to the session on “Planning and Sustainability in the Framework of Adaptation to Climate Change” at the UN Ocean Conferance held in Lisbon between 27 June – 1 July 2022.  Presentations were made by DEHUKAM researchers at the UNFCCC Conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

DEHUKAM also provides technical and legal support to the work and meetings being carried out during the Bureau Presidency given to our country at COP 22 within the scope of another project carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Within the framework of the project, DEHUKAM has been entrusted with the establishment of the Regional Activity Center on Climate Change, which is targeted to be established in Türkiye. Within the framework of the studies for the establishment of a Regional Activity Center on Climate Change, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change wrote a letter to DEHUKAM with the subject ‘Studies on the Establishment of a Regional Activity Center on Climate Change’ and stated that the establishment of a climate change research center within DEHUKAM “will contribute to the environmental improvement of our country’s seas and to achieve its goals in the field of blue growth and maritime and will increase its position in the international legal community” and that if DEHUKAM takes a decision in this direction, the Ministry will provide the necessary support to the extent possible.

In line with this article, the Mediterranean Climate Change Research Center (MCCRC) was established within the body of DEHUKAM with the decision of DEHUKAM Board of Directors dated 26/09/2022 and numbered 2022/19. Accordingly, DEHUKAM actively continues to work towards the establishment of the Regional Activity Center on Climate Change in Türkiye, which will be integrated into the United Nations Environment Program.

MCCRC carries out activities to raise awareness on the impacts of climate change on our seas and how to cope with these negative impacts. In this context, it organizes projects to raise public awareness.

The steps taken to protect our seas and oceans, mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure social adaptation are of great importance at national and international level. DEHUKAM continues to work with great dedication to maintain its commitment to securing the future of our seas and oceans by increasing its influence in the international arena.