MESSAGES FROM US

Dear readers,

Our power lies not only in destruction but also in restoration—if only we turn toward nature. Our blue planet has long been shaped by human hands. Unfortunately, this shaping often strains fragile ecosystems, depletes resources, and deepens crises. But we still have a chance: to change direction. In this issue, we explore the current state of our blue planet, highlight developments in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) landscape, and examine a growing and urgent threat—freshwater security.

We hope this inspires all our readers who are not merely observing, but eager to be part of the solution.

Stay sustainable…

ÖZGÜN ÇINAR, CEO

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ESG NEWS

  • The “wealthiest 10%” of people on the planet are “responsible” for 65% of the 0.61C increase in global average temperatures over 1990-2020, according to new research. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, uses a field of climate science called “attribution” to determine the contribution of the world’s “wealthiest population groups” to climate change through the greenhouse gases they emit. DETAIL
  • US Congress has voted to end a Biden-era rule requiring rubber tyre makers to emit fewer greenhouse gases, the Associated Press reports. DETAIL
  • North American bird populations are plummeting, especially in drylands, grasslands and the Arctic where they have historically been most abundant, new research has found. The analysis of almost 500 species of North American birds indicates that three out of four species are suffering declines across their ranges, with two in three shrinking significantly. DETAIL
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  • Research in PLOS Climate found that just 4% of hyperlinks point to “scientific sources” in 1.3m posts and 20.3m comments related to climate change on Reddit from 2009-22. DETAIL
  • Science Advances published a study finding that an unprecedented surge in concurrent heatwave-drought events from Eastern Europe to East Asia has been “amplified” by climate change. DETAIL
  • The European Central Bank (ECB) has published a new opinion on European Commission proposals to simplify and reduce sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations for companies. While the ECB welcomed this simplification target, it warned that some of the Commission’s plans could pose serious risks to investors, the economy and the EU’s sustainability goals. DETAIL
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  • The new findings, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, suggest that the positive effects of CO2 “fertilization” on forests may be limited by global warming. DETAIL
  • A new study has revealed that the Amazon rainforest can adapt to persistent drought in the long term, but this could have serious implications for forest structure and carbon storage capacity. DETAIL

🍃 GREEN COLUMN🍃

THE FUTURE OF OUR BLUE PLANET

Summer breezes that make you feel sea salt, the sounds of waves on the beach and the creatures dancing on the coral reefs… Oceans and seas are not only the background of our memories; It constitutes the important life resources of our planet. The oceans, which produce more than half of the world’s oxygen, balance the climate system and are home to billions of living things, are now sounding the alarm due to human-induced threats.

We shouldn’t wait any longer to protect the oceans. In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, it is time to move from “looting to protecting”. This transformation is not only an environmental necessity, but also an obligation to secure the common future of humanity.

In this context, the goal of effectively protecting at least 30% of the world’s seas by 2030 (30×30 target) stands out. Today, it’s only 2.7%. This goal directly affects not only sea creatures, but also the entire ecosystem and therefore human life. Countless vital processes, from the water cycle to climate stability, from food security to economic sustainability, are affected by the state of the oceans.

But goals don’t make sense as long as they only remain on paper. Threats such as plastic pollution, overfishing, illegal fishing, and deep-sea mining are putting ocean ecosystems on a path of no return. The moratorium on deep-sea mining, backed by French President Emmanuel Macron, is a promising step in this area, having received the approval of more than 30 countries. However, in order to make hopes a reality, commitments must be translated into concrete policies and practices.

Although it is noteworthy that the United States did not participate in the conference, the fact that the leaders of more than 50 countries came together to give a message of cooperation for the oceans represents an important step. Guterres’ warning is striking: “The deep sea must not turn into the wild west.” Because oceans are our global common living spaces that cannot be drawn by national borders. Therefore, the solution is possible with global solidarity. It is not possible to protect the oceans without scientists, non-governmental organizations, environmental advocates and governments meeting at the same table.

The growing global response to plastic pollution is also important. About 460 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and a significant portion of it pollutes the seas. The Nice Call, which was prepared against this problem, emphasizes the need to move forward with the support of 95 countries, not only voluntarily, but also with binding international agreements.

Ocean conservation is not just an environmental ideal; it is also an integral part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 14, “Life Below Water”, defines the sustainability of the oceans as a global responsibility. However, this responsibility is not only on governments or the private sector; We. The small decisions we make every day, from the use of plastics to our consumption choices, affect the fate of the oceans. It is up to us to leave a blue planet full of wave sounds, coral colors and life for the future.

DAMLA GÜNALP, SUSTAINABILITY ASSISTANT SPECIALIST

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