ÇEVRE HIGHLIGHTS - 28. SAYI

51 HAZ ø RAN 2025 Prof. Dr. Doğanay TOLUNAY Interviewed By: Lal Petekçi, Serra Topaloğlu What individual measures can we take to mitigate global warming? Where should we start? First and foremost, we can begin in our own homes. For example, we can turn off unnecessary lights, especially when leaving a room, and avoid using electrical devices such as televisions and computers in standby mode, as they continue to consume energy. Moreover, although you are young, you can raise awareness among older members of your family. One of the biggest sources of energy consumption in homes is heating and cooling. For instance, by lowering the thermostat from 24 to 21 degrees Celsius, you can conserve energy. Additionally, using public transportation instead of private vehicles helps reduce fossil fuel consumption. Thank you. Could you also share some information about public awareness and educational programs? In the context of climate change, educational content varies across age groups. Different programs are designed for kindergarteners, primary and secondary school students, and university students. These programs are often provided by civil society organizations such as TEMA. We also offer specialized climate change training for professionals, including those working in ministries and municipalities. Unlike general awareness programs, these focus on practical measures for combating climate change. For example, it is the responsibility of municipalities to manage flood risks. Thus, municipal employees need to be educated on the necessary precautions. For younger age groups, education tends to focus on basic concepts such as “What is climate change?” and “What actions can we take to address environmental problems?” What is the most effective method of combating climate change? There are two main strategies in climate change mitigation. The first is called mitigation, which involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The primary cause of these emissions is the burning of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—which release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. We use fossil fuels both directly (like natural gas in homes and gasoline in vehicles) and indirectly (such as electricity generated in thermal power plants). The second strategy is adaptation. Certain ecosystems—particularly forests and oceans—naturally absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Protecting and expanding these ecosystems helps reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. Adaptation also involves preparing for extreme weather events caused by climate change, such as droughts, floods, hailstorms, and hurricanes. Measures include avoiding construction on riverbeds or landslide-prone areas and restricting settlement in low-lying coastal zones where sea levels may rise. Thus, both mitigation and adaptation are critical components of the fight against climate change. In your opinion, what are the most evident consequences of global warming? The most apparent consequence at the moment is the increase in temperatures. Global warming and climate change have many effects, including rising air and ocean temperatures. Increased temperatures lead to greater evaporation, causing droughts in some areas. At the same time, more water vapor in the atmosphere can lead to heavier rainfall in other areas, resulting in floods. Another effect is the gradual rise in sea levels—currently about three millimeters per year—though it often goes unnoticed due to its slow pace. Overall, the most visible impacts are temperature increases and the resulting changes in precipitation patterns, such as droughts and floods. How do global climate models predict future climate changes? Predictions are made based on various scenarios. Of course, we don’t have a crystal ball to foresee the future—the future will be shaped by our actions or inactions. For example, if we continue to use fossil fuels at current rates and fail to protect forests, the worst- case scenario could unfold. Under such a scenario, average global temperatures could rise significantly by 2050–2070. Another model assumes a 50% reduction in fossil fuel use and successful forest conservation, leading to more moderate warming—perhaps around 2.5°C by 2100. There is also an idealized scenario: if, within the next 25 years, the carbon dioxide absorbed by ecosystems equals the emissions produced by humans, then the temperature increase could be kept below 2°C. However, I call this a “rosy scenario” because achieving this would require a 67% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions within the next quarter century—a very challenging goal. Every day we delay, it becomes harder to balance what ecosystems absorb with what we emit.