'Climate Neutral and Resilient Kadıköy' Vision from Kadıköy Municipality

Kadıköy Municipality announced its new road map in order to prepare the city against the effects of global climate change and to reset greenhouse gas emissions. In line with the vision announced under the title "Climate Neutral and Resilient Kadıköy", the technical process has been initiated to update the current climate action plan under the name SECAP 3.0.

At the launch and reduction workshop held in Kadıköy; Topics such as buildings, renewable energy investments, transportation and waste management were discussed with experts and city stakeholders.

"CLIMATE POLICY IS A HOLISTIC URBAN POLICY"

Making a statement at the launch, Kadıköy Mayor Mesut Kösedağı emphasized that the fight against climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a holistic approach ranging from budget preferences to daily services. Reminding that Kadıköy has years of experience in this field, Kösedağı said, "We joined the Mayors' Convention in 2012. We took concrete steps with the solar energy system on the roof of our Marriage Office and our rainwater collection projects. Now, we aim for a climate-neutral Kadıköy by 2050."

"RESISTANT CITY: PREPARING FOR EXCESSIVE RAINFALL AND HEAT WAVES"

Drawing attention to the concept of "resilience", which constitutes the second leg of the vision, Kösedağı said that they aim to reduce the effects of the climate crisis on daily life. Stating that emissions from buildings and transportation will be reduced at the source, Kösedağı made the following evaluations:

"Resilient Kadıköy means a city prepared for heat waves, drought and excessive rainfall. It represents an approach that protects the tree shade, utilizes rainwater, and protects its shores and green areas. We all have the right to live in a house that consumes less energy, to be able to walk on a shady street in summer, and to return home safely in heavy rain. As we move towards this goal, we are preparing our city against the effects of the climate crisis today."

2030 COMMITMENTS ARE STRENGTHENING

In addition to the 2050 final target, Kadıköy Municipality will also revise the greenhouse gas reduction commitments set for 2030 in the light of current data. Stating that local contribution will be made to Türkiye's 2053 net zero emission target, Kösedağı stated that they will work in full compliance with the climate policies of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM).

Noting that the developed SECAP 3.0 action plan will be directly associated with the municipality's investment program and budget, Kösedağı emphasized transparency and added that the entire process will be carried out together with Kadıköy residents, City Council, headmen and universities.