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Turkey Approves New Coal Mining to Feed Power Plants
Destruction of Forest Latest Battleground on Coal
Emma Sinclair-Webb, Associate Director and Turkey Director
Dramatic scenes of villagers and environmental activists protesting the felling of thousands of trees in order to expand a coal mine have received widespread media coverage in Turkey over the past two weeks. Police used tear gas and water cannons against the protesters, and numerous arrests were made as they attempted to stop the tree felling in the Akbelen forest in Turkey’s western Mugla province.
This episode highlights the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ongoing support for coal mines and coal-fired power plants, and its disregard for the well-documented impact of coal burning on air pollution and the health of local people. Furthermore, it ignores the significant greenhouse gas emissions generated by burning coal and the contribution this is making to the climate crisis.
Turkey’s Coal-Fired Power Plants
Turkey currently has 37 coal-fired power plants licensed to run, in some cases, until the 2060s. The two plants near the Akbelen forest have been operating for decades and have a long history of negative environmental impacts. In fact, cases have been brought against them in the European Court of Human Rights, where they were found to have operated in violation of national environmental regulations.
Experts have raised concerns about the inadequate pollutant filtration systems in the majority of the plants’ units. Despite the risks and damage caused, the government has approved further coal mining in the area to keep the two plants operating. This raises serious questions about Erdogan’s commitment to clean air and tackling the climate crisis, given that Turkey ratified the Paris Agreement in 2021 and announced its goal to be carbon neutral by 2053.
Turkey’s Commitment to Clean Energy
While Turkey has made commitments to reducing its carbon emissions and transitioning to clean energy, its reliance on coal remains a significant hurdle. Alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and Serbia, Turkey has not yet announced when it plans to stop using coal.
The government’s plans to enable new coal mining and continue operating the existing coal-fired power plants demonstrate a lack of urgency and commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Moving away from fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy sources should be a priority for Turkey if it wishes to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Editorial: The Need for a Sustainable Energy Transition
Turkey’s approval of new coal mining to feed its power plants represents a missed opportunity to prioritize sustainable energy solutions and take meaningful steps towards addressing the climate crisis. As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition away from fossil fuels, it is disappointing to see a country with such potential for renewable energy sources continue down the path of coal dependency.
The negative environmental impacts and health risks associated with coal mining and burning are well-documented. The protests in Akbelen forest serve as a reminder of the deep concern among local communities and environmental activists about the devastating consequences of coal extraction.
Furthermore, the government’s decision to prioritize the operation of coal-fired power plants over environmental and health considerations raises serious questions about its commitment to protecting the well-being of its citizens and future generations.
Advice: Embrace Clean Energy and Sustainable Solutions
It is crucial for the Turkish government to recognize the urgency and importance of embracing clean energy and sustainable solutions. Transitioning away from coal and investing in renewable energy sources not only benefits the environment but also creates new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
Turkey has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly in solar, wind, and geothermal power. By harnessing these abundant resources, Turkey can reduce its carbon emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
The government should work closely with environmental experts, renewable energy firms, and local communities to develop a comprehensive and ambitious plan for a sustainable energy transition. This plan should prioritize phasing out coal-fired power plants, investing in renewable energy infrastructure, and implementing policies and incentives to encourage the uptake of clean energy technologies.
By taking bold and decisive action, Turkey can position itself as a leader in the global transition to clean energy and play a significant role in mitigating climate change. It is time for President Erdogan and his government to prioritize the well-being of their citizens and the planet over short-term coal interests.
<< photo by Laura Penwell >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.