Collaborative planning for climate change disasters

Marmara University attaches great importance to collaborative planning for climate change disasters.

In this context, raising awareness at academic and social levels has become one of the main goals of Marmara University. Marmara University aims to develop effective strategies by coming together with different disciplines to solve the problems and the effects of combating climate change, and cooperates with various institutions and organizations for this purpose.

The Republic of Turkey and the European Union: Within the scope of the "Climate Change Adaptation Grant Program", many projects and ideas are put forward thanks to these institutions and collaborations are made with Marmara University.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP): Within the scope of this program, Marmara University has implemented projects to combat climate change.

Ministry of Environment and Urbanization: In cooperation with this ministry, Marmara University has implemented various projects, studies and educational plans..

Civil Society Organizations: Marmara University collaborates with various non-governmental organizations to carry out projects, events, activities and studies that raise awareness and ensure social participation for sustainability and a green future.

Kadıköy Municipality: Due to its location and its determination in the fight against climate change, Marmara University has implemented many different and meaningful events and projects organized together with Kadıköy Municipality within the scope of the fight against climate change.

Marmara University Participation in Kadıköy Municipality Environmental Festival

Marmara University Civil Society Organizations Research and Application Center (STKAM) took part in the Kadıköy Municipality Environmental Festival in 2023.This event, which was held with the participation of academics, students and the public, was organized to combat climate change and raise awareness of environmental issues. Marmara University STKAM unit shared information to spread environmental awareness to participants and society through various panels, studies, events, seminars and workshops. Within the scope of this major event, which was brought to life by Kadıköy Municipality and Marmara University STKAM unit, meaningful steps were taken and trainings were provided regarding sustainability and an environmentally friendly future.

 

Marmara University Environmental Problems Research and Application Center Regulation

Marmara University's Environmental Issues Research and Application Center also has a very important place in this field. This unit conducts scientific studies, events and activities to combat climate change and provide a green future for society. Each of these studies is shared with the society and awareness is raised. In addition, Marmara University shares its knowledge and experience on combating climate change through conferences and seminars it organizes in national and international arenas.

Please click here: Marmara University Environmental Problems Research and Application Center Regulation

The purpose of Marmara University Environmental Problems Application and Research Center is to conduct multidisciplinary, scientific and practical research and studies in the fields of environmental problems affecting the environment-living relationships and the solutions to these problems; to increase the awareness of the society about environmental problems and to convey various scientific findings and suggestions to the relevant authorities and the public. The center conducts scientific and practical research aimed at determining and solving environmental problems with the help of researchers and expert staff in various units of our university. It cooperates with other organizations or has external experts conduct studies in order to carry out activities such as necessary research, experimental examinations and survey studies to determine scientific methods related to environmental problems. It supports the giving of seminars by local and foreign experts and creates cooperation opportunities by establishing relations with similar national and foreign institutions. In addition, it provides the necessary educational opportunities to train experts in the field of environmental problems, makes publications regarding its aims and duties, and announces scientific suggestions and requests to the relevant parties for taking legal and administrative measures are other activities of the center.

Authorities, Duties and Responsibilities:

-The Center shall conduct scientific and applied research to determine and solve environmental problems with the help of its research and expert staff,
-To conduct studies such as necessary research, laboratory examinations, experiments and surveys to determine scientific methods related to environmental problems or to cooperate with other relevant institutions for this purpose or to have experts from outside its organization conduct studies,
-To ensure that conferences are given and seminars are organized by local and foreign experts,
-To establish relations with similar national and foreign institutions and create cooperation opportunities with them,
-To provide necessary educational opportunities to train experts in the field of environmental problems and to make scientific contributions to postgraduate studies.
-To make publications related to its aims and duties,
-To announce scientific suggestions and requests to the relevant parties for taking legal and administrative measures.

 

The Transformation Has Begun: A New Era with Climate Policies Member Meeting

As part of SKD Türkiye’s 20th-anniversary events, Marmara University’s Civil Society Organizations Application and Research Center (STKAM) participated in the member meeting titled “The Transformation Has Begun: A New Era with Climate Policies”. Prof. Dr. Esra Yüksel Acı represented STKAM at the event. The meeting focused on emerging climate policies and their implications for sustainable business and societal practices, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting awareness and discussion on sustainability and climate strategies.

 

Impacts of the Climate Law on Industry and Sustainability Perspective Webinar

The webinar “Impacts of the Climate Law on Industry and Sustainability Perspective”, organized by the Paint Manufacturers Association (BOSAD), was moderated by Prof. Dr. Esra Yüksel Acı from Marmara University’s Civil Society Organizations Application and Research Center (STKAM), with Av. Emel Ünal, Senior Legal Advisor at the Climate Change Department, as the speaker. The session addressed the effects of the Climate Law on the industrial sector in Türkiye, including carbon pricing, emissions trading, mandatory reporting obligations, alignment with international regulations such as the EU Green Deal, ETS, and SDG frameworks, the implementation of MRV (monitoring, reporting, verification) mechanisms, the role of green taxonomy for effective ETS functioning, and the Just Transition Mechanism. The webinar contributed to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting understanding of regulatory compliance, sustainable industrial practices, and climate governance.

 

Participation in the Event “Making the Agricultural Sector Resilient for the Future”

Prof. Dr. Esra Yüksel Acı from Marmara University’s Civil Society Organizations Application and Research Center (STKAM) participated in the event “Making the Agricultural Sector Resilient for the Future”, organized by Şekerbank T.A.Ş. and FMO. The event featured two panels: “Policy, Financing, and Support Mechanisms for Climate-Resilient Agricultural Enterprises in Türkiye” and “What is Climate Resilience in the Supply Chain?”, focusing on strategies to strengthen the agricultural sector’s resilience to climate change, sustainable financing, and climate-smart supply chain management. The initiative contributed to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

 

Participation in the IV. Turkey Circular Economy Week Istanbul Event

At the IV. Turkey Circular Economy Week Istanbul Event, hosted by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry in collaboration with SKD Türkiye, Business for Goals, and DCube, Prof. Dr. Esra Yüksel Acı from Marmara University’s Civil Society Organizations Application and Research Center (STKAM) participated in the session “New Competencies and Stakeholder Communication Focused on Circular Economy”, moderated by Melda Çele, Secretary General of UN Global Compact Turkey, alongside Özlem İnce, HR Director of ASAŞ. The session addressed green skills, green jobs, the industrial demand for a “green workforce,” and strategies to close the skills gap. Prof. Dr. Yüksel Acı also shared insights on universities’ sustainability strategies, global and national sustainable university rankings, and sustainability-related curricula, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

 

Member Universities: Good Practice Examples Meeting

Marmara University, as a member university, participated in the “Member Universities: Good Practice Examples Meeting” organized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) Turkey at Boğaziçi University. Prof. Dr. Esra Yüksel Acı, Director of STKAM, Sustainability Coordinator Assoc. Dr. Savaş Evran, and Data Analyst Zeynep Öztürk Kuyumcu represented Marmara University in the Good Practice Examples Session, sharing the university’s initiatives from the 2023-28 Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Reports, while also learning about the practices of other universities and K12 school projects. The meeting contributed to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting knowledge exchange and sustainable practice implementation among higher education institutions.

 

Visit to the Social Innovation Agency (SIA)

Prof. Dr. Esra Yüksel Acı, Director of Marmara University’s Civil Society Organizations Application and Research Center (STKAM), visited the Social Innovation Agency (SIA), established in 2020 through the collaboration of Konya Metropolitan Municipality and Necmettin Erbakan University, which aims to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to social challenges. During the visit, she met with Director Ali Güney to exchange ideas on potential collaborations between SIA and STKAM, promoting innovation, social impact, and sustainable development initiatives aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

 

Disaster Awareness and Climate Crisis Sensitivity with a Focus on Earthquakes and Fires Training

Our volunteer students participated in the training “Disaster Awareness and Climate Crisis Sensitivity with a Focus on Earthquakes and Fires” at Allianz Teknik’s Earthquake and Fire Test and Training Center in Beykoz. The session, conducted by the center’s managers, aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of disaster preparedness, risk management, and the interconnections between natural hazards and climate change, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

 

“Is Turkey Ready for 2030?” & “Sustainable Development Goals 101” Trainings

 

As part of the EDU YESK Summer School, organized in collaboration with Marmara University’s Green Economy and Sustainability Club, STKAM, Marmara University Alumni and Academicians Association, and supported by Nihad Sayar Education Foundation, certified trainings were conducted for participants. The “Sustainable Development Goals 101” training, delivered by Türkan Uçar, co-founder of SDG4Kids, introduced the fundamental concepts and objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The “Is Turkey Ready for 2030?” training, led by Nehide Tuna, President of the Sustainable Green Future Association and Founder of Green Future Academy, focused on Turkey’s readiness for green transformation and sustainable development by 2030. Both sessions contributed to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by fostering sustainability awareness and actionable knowledge among participants.

 

Workshop on Civil Participation for a Green Future

Marmara University shared important information on "Civil Participation for a Green Future" at the Marmara Urban Forum 23 (MARUF23) event held at the Istanbul Congress Center between October 4-7, 2023. The aim was for local governments to develop collaborations within the scope of combating climate change, a green future and adaptation. In addition, it was aimed to identify the deficiencies of local governments within the country regarding resilience targets, to bring these deficiencies together with civil actors and financing providers and to ensure that they develop joint projects. This event ensured collaboration between civil society organizations and local governments.

 

Climate Change, Sustainability and Green Transformation Training

Organized by the Civil Society Organizations Research and Application Center, this training provided information to 12th graders on climate change and sustainability. Link: İklim Değişikliği, Sürdürülebilirlik ve Yeşil Dönüşüm Eğitimi | Sivil Toplum Kuruluşları Araştırma ve Uygulama Merkezi | Marmara Üniversitesi

 

Climate Change and Sustainable Finance Summit in the Centennial of the Republic

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A5y11onM9w&t=2s

This event generated very important discussions and exchanges of ideas within the framework of sustainable finance and combating climate change. During the event, the focus was on information sharing and strategic planning processes among participants on sustainability and climate change.

 

Nature Repair and Green Space Strategy Panel

Kadıköy City Council Climate Working Group and 118-Y Anatolian Side Lions Associations Federation organized the "Nature Repair and Green Space Strategy Panel" in Design Workshop Kadıköy in collaboration. TThis event was organized by the Marmara University Civil Society Organizations Application and Research Center. The event discussed expert ideas on the reconstruction of nature, the increase and protection of green areas. The experts and academicians who participated in the event shared the best methods applied for sustainable green area planning, the reconstruction of nature, the increase and protection of green areas in order to minimize the effects of climate change. The event also evaluated the important role and contributions of local governments and civil society organizations in this process. The event was organized to emphasize the importance and contribution of local communities and civil society organizations in the fight against climate change, and also to further develop cooperation within this framework. The "Nature Restoration and Green Area Strategy Panel" aimed to raise awareness on the fight against climate change and to inspire the participants. Such events play an important role in increasing social awareness for the protection of nature and a sustainable future.

Climate Action Plan (2023-2028)

 

Link: Marmara University 2024 Sustainability Report

 

 

Link:  Climate Action Plan

 

Marmara University 2023 Sustainability Report

Climate Change Seminar

The aim of our event is to draw attention to climate change, one of the biggest problems in today's world. We aim to raise awareness about climate change and share ways to combat climate change. The target audience of our event is everyone who wants to learn about climate change, especially Marmara University students.

Nature Walk

Nature walks are walks that are carried out in different geographies of nature, with different levels of difficulty and for different durations. As the name suggests, nature walks are carried out in nature or in areas with natural beauty. The places where these walks can be carried out vary depending on the type of walk. The target audience of the event is Marmara University students.

Sustainability Days

Bee Day and Biodiversity

The global climate crisis, one of the biggest problems of today's world, was brought to attention by combining May 20 Bee Day and May 22 Biodiversity Day and hosting various academics who are experts in these subjects. The extinction of bees due to the climate crisis can cause a chain reaction of imbalance in the ecosystem and many other problems. For this reason, this event was held so that everyone can fulfill their responsibilities and gain awareness for the protection of bees and biodiversity.

I Love the Earth, I Recycle

The purpose of this event is to convey to our participants in detail what recycling is. We aimed to encourage our participants to live a sustainable life by conveying how recycling can be incorporated into daily life. In our event, we examined recycling and sustainability from an artistic perspective as well as from a basic perspective. The target audience of our event is primarily Marmara University students and people interested in recycling and sustainability.

Green Chemistry Conference

Green Chemistry is a new principle based on a dozen principles, including solutions that will eliminate current pollution problems. Our aim is to prepare Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students for the developing and growing Chemistry sector while protecting our nature. In this context, it is aimed to convey Green Chemistry and its principles to the participants one-on-one by experts in the field.

Change Yourself, Not the Climate!

The aim of our event is to create climate awareness among our participants. In our event, we aim to touch upon what the climate crisis is, what we can do against the climate crisis, and examining the climate crisis in terms of human and children's rights. The target audience of our event is primarily the members of the Marmara University Natural Life Protection Club, as well as Marmara University students.

Planting Saplings on National Afforestation Day

Marmara University Geography Club is organizing a sapling planting event with its students to leave a gift to the future on the National Afforestation Day, the 100th anniversary of our Republic. The aim is for the saplings planted to grow enough to breathe into these lands in the future and for future generations to follow in the footsteps of us young people and plant more saplings to enlarge our green areas.

Nature Walk and Photography Event