PRESS RELEASE
Istanbul, 30.07.2025
As Forests Turn to Ash, Carbon Emissions Escalate: A Stark Reminder of the Climate Crisis
Wildfires in Türkiye Highlight Urgency for Environmental Action
The devastating wildfires that began on June 25 in İzmir and have since spread to multiple provinces across Türkiye are a sobering reminder of the escalating climate crisis. Tens of thousands of hectares have been reduced to ash, inflicting irreparable damage on biodiversity and natural ecosystems. As the nation mourns the loss of ten lives in the Eskişehir fires, the continuing wave of fire outbreaks underscores the pressing need for immediate action.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), Türkiye recorded the highest forest area loss among Mediterranean countries in 2021, with nearly 150,000 hectares destroyed in its worst wildfire season on record. Scientists warn that due to the climate crisis, the duration of high-risk fire periods is expanding. Rising temperatures, low humidity, and increasingly strong winds are compounding the threat.
In addition to possible acts of sabotage, experts identify human negligence—such as the illegal burning of agricultural stubble—as a major contributor to wildfires. These practices not only spark fires but also release large quantities of harmful gases, including carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, into the atmosphere. Although stubble burning is prohibited by Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, it regrettably continues in certain regions.
To mitigate these risks, experts emphasize the need for stronger public awareness, improved disaster preparedness, and comprehensive investment in environmental technologies and logistics. Alternative uses for agricultural residues—such as incorporating them into soil, converting them into biofuels, or utilizing them in the wood and paper industries—must be prioritized to replace outdated and hazardous methods.
Carbon Emissions at the Heart of the Global Climate Emergency
Deforestation and forest degradation are significant drivers of carbon emissions. Rising global temperatures increase the frequency of wildfires, which in turn destroy natural carbon sinks, perpetuating a destructive cycle of warming and emissions. The release of massive amounts of soot and ash further destabilizes the atmosphere.
Namık Sarıgöl, Exhibition Manager at Eko Fair, emphasized the critical importance of environmental technologies in addressing climate change:
“To achieve a carbon-neutral future, we must fully embrace the potential of environmental innovation. The longer we delay reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting natural carbon sinks, the more severe the consequences will be. A holistic and effective approach to climate action is essential.”
IFAT Eurasia Hosts Key Discussions on Climate Action
Held in May 2025, the sixth edition of IFAT Eurasia—Eurasia’s Leading Trade Fair For Environmental Technologies—provided a vital platform for addressing the global climate crisis. The conference program focused on “Combating Climate Change” and “Strengthening International Cooperation in Waste Management,” featuring participation from the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, ISWA, IREMCON, and GWP.
The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) presented “Turning Waste into Climate Action: Resource Management Under the EU CBAM,” underlining the role of sustainable waste management in mitigating climate change. These sessions reaffirmed IFAT Eurasia’s commitment to driving innovation, collaboration, and action in the environmental sector.
For further information, please contact:
EKO MMI Fair Organization Team