AGP Executive Report

COP31 in Türkiye: UN climate talks in Antalya are getting political and practical momentum, with Türkiye using New York’s UNGA events to push a “bridge” approach and climate education at the center of the agenda. Green Transport: An IMO-backed study says Sea of Marmara ferries could cut greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 63% by switching to hybrid and electric vessels. Climate Tech for COP31: Turkish firm Karmod is supplying custom, low-waste container buildings for COP31 rest areas in Antalya. Biodiversity & Nature: Lake Van researchers are collecting microbialite samples to understand how similar formations could form on Mars. Coastal Ecosystems & Carbon Markets: A report highlights how mangrove restoration is being monetized via carbon credits—while local benefits can lag behind. Governance & Oversight: Turkey’s audit findings reportedly fell 82% amid claims of weakened oversight. Energy & Prices: The US pressures Europe to release diesel reserves, raising supply-risk concerns for Turkey and the region. Mediterranean Under Threat: A new opinion piece warns the sea faces climate change, pollution and overdevelopment.

COP31 Climate Push: Fiji’s climate minister Lynda Tabuya says the Pacific must be at the centre of global climate decisions as Pre-COP31 meetings gear up in Fiji and Tuvalu, with communities expected to be heard ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. EU Climate Diplomacy: Brussels is overhauling its climate negotiation strategy for COP31 in Antalya, warning that Europe can’t keep leading without tougher “red lines” as heatwaves and stalled talks bite. Türkiye-Iraq Security: Türkiye will gradually hand over the Bashiqa-Zilkan base to Iraqi authorities, citing progress in Sinjar and aiming for a “terror-free” security environment while expanding military cooperation. Infrastructure & Environment: The Turkish Union of Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) sued to block a presidential decree that would let private firms operate major Bosporus bridges and highways for 30 years, warning of toll hikes and environmental harm. Digital Rights: Turkey blocked access to EngelliWeb’s X account, a project that documents internet censorship orders, as restrictions on digital expression continue to expand. Wildlife & Hunting: Turkey’s stray-animal feeding ban was annulled by an Ankara court, while separate reports highlight hunting regulation changes abroad.

Academic Freedom Under Pressure: Türkiye is ranked in the bottom 10% for academic freedom, with a “completely restricted” label tied to sweeping higher-education governance changes that give the president sole power to appoint rectors. Digital Rights Crackdown: Authorities have blocked the X account of EngelliWeb, a project documenting internet censorship, as restrictions on journalists and rights groups keep expanding. Infrastructure Privatization Fight: The Turkish Union of Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) sued to stop a decree that would let private firms operate major Bosporus bridges and highways for up to 30 years, warning of toll hikes and environmental harm. Environment in Conflict: Iraq’s Kurdistan forests in Badinan and near the Turkish border are being cut and burned, with Aynda urging Baghdad and Erbil to act and calling for international protection measures. Climate Diplomacy: Moldova’s MP at a Black Sea regional parliamentary meeting stressed climate change’s economic impact and the need for shared solutions to manage disaster risks. Wildlife & Land Use: Türkiye launched aerial monitoring for ancient Sardis and Lydian tumuli, adding a conservation angle to heritage protection.

COP31 Visa Update: Türkiye will issue a free electronic COP31 visa for all registered delegates heading to Antalya, with a five-step e-visa process required even for visa-free travelers. Climate Finance: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank says it will scale financing for climate-resilient and nature-focused infrastructure, aiming to nearly double annual funding to about €17.6bn by 2030. Noah’s Ark Drilling: Turkish researchers have begun core drilling at the Durupinar “Noah’s Ark” site near Mount Ararat, reigniting debate over the formation’s origins. Wildlife & Nature Research: Scientists report a newly identified gentoo penguin species based on genetic work, adding to biodiversity knowledge. Animal Welfare/Policy: Ankara’s court annulled a ban on feeding stray animals, a win for animal rights groups. Disaster-Affected Farming: TIKA and Turkish Red Crescent partners delivered wheat seed and fertilizer to flood-impacted smallholders in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, pairing aid with climate-resilient farming guidance.

COP31 Visa Move: Türkiye has authorized a free electronic COP31 e-visa for all registered participants heading to Antalya, even for travelers who are normally visa-free, with a five-step application on the official portal after UNFCCC registration. Animal Welfare & Public Health: An Ankara court annulled a governor’s blanket ban on feeding stray animals, saying authorities should regulate and monitor feeding instead of prohibiting it outright to protect public order, health and the environment. Climate & Health Tech: Turkish researchers report that combining classical music (Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky) with nature-themed VR landscapes can significantly lower blood pressure for emergency patients. Wildlife Research: A study highlights endangered bats using UNCA woods, underscoring how urban nature can still support vulnerable species. Environment-Linked Incident: A manure-farm fire in eastern England has burned for over 10 days, triggering a “horrendous” stench, breathing complaints and more flies for nearby residents. Energy Transition Talks: Türkiye’s energy minister says new joint projects with Germany could span natural gas, green hydrogen, power grids and critical minerals.

Women’s Safety Watch: Turkey faces a shelter crunch for women fleeing violence, with rights groups warning that limited capacity and weak enforcement of protection orders can leave survivors without safe options. Legal Rights & Due Process: A Turkish court ordered the release of four İHD members detained before the NATO summit in Ankara, while two others remain jailed. Climate & Extremes: A new report highlights how the 2026 supercharged El Niño is driving extreme weather across Asia, with heavier “rain bomb” downpours and wider drought impacts. Waste & Water Infrastructure: Armenia and the EBRD discussed road, energy, transport, and water management projects, including solid municipal waste plans and the Gyumri Urban Roads program. Biodiversity & Habitat: The U.S. proposes delisting the Gila chub from endangered status, a move critics say would remove protections for much of its habitat. Public Health & Movement: ASICS released a conservation-style warning on low daily activity levels, linking modern sedentary life to mental well-being.

Climate & Health at COP31: Türkiye is pushing for a climate-and-health support fund, arguing adaptation must protect people as much as emissions cuts, with COP31 in Antalya set to spotlight “dynamic and resilient health systems.” Human Rights & Safety: A Turkish court ordered the release of four İHD members detained ahead of NATO’s Ankara summit, while rights advocates warn women fleeing violence face shelter shortages and weak enforcement of protection orders. Biodiversity & Nature: Scientists report rising seas could help invasive species spread into new areas. Energy & Industry: Türkiye’s DEIK says China is redirecting exports as US trade barriers rise, creating both opportunities and competition for Turkish trade routes. Environment-adjacent Tourism: The Karaelmas Touristic Express will resume between Ankara and Zonguldak from Oct. 2, promoting access to the Western Black Sea’s natural and cultural sites. Regional Security (context): The “Mecca alliance” defense pact is moving from politics to institutions as Saudi, Türkiye and Pakistan coordinate further amid Houthi threats.

Tourism & Environment: Turkey’s licensed accommodation capacity has topped 1.9 million beds, with Antalya holding about a third of the total, while the Culture and Tourism Ministry also tracks “environmentally friendly facility” certificates for businesses cutting energy and water use and reducing waste. Climate & Diplomacy: UN envoy María Ángela Holguín warned that the “window of opportunity” for Cyprus talks is closing, citing weak political will and a worsening regional climate. Biodiversity & Nature Research: New reporting revives debate over a boat-shaped formation near Mount Ararat, as archaeologists claim they may have identified Noah’s Ark’s possible location—sparking fresh scrutiny of what’s natural geology and what’s human-made. Public Health Tech: Doctors in Ankara say calm VR environments paired with classical music can lower blood pressure and stress faster in emergency settings. Civil Society Under Pressure: Turkey’s LGBTQ+ groups faced large coordinated raids and arrests under “obscenity” charges, according to rights groups and international reporting.

Local Resistance to Energy Projects: In Varto, Muş, a geothermal power plant vigil is now in its 148th day, with DEM Party figures warning the project will harm land and water and criticizing how licences are granted under the “renewable” label. Child Digital Safety: Türkiye hosted a UN panel in New York on building safer digital systems for children, with Emine Erdoğan and international leaders urging stronger AI governance beyond parental controls and data protection. Cyprus Diplomacy: UN envoy María Ángela Holguín warned the “window of opportunity” for Cyprus talks is closing as both sides lack political will and tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean worsen. Energy Regulation & Grid Links: A regional energy-regulators forum in Tbilisi discussed integrating South Caucasus power systems with Türkiye’s grid, aiming to enable electricity supplies to Europe. Wildlife & Conservation: Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrived in the US for a 10-year stay at Zoo Atlanta, highlighting ongoing international conservation partnerships. Tourism Pressure Point: Russia remains Türkiye’s top source market for 2025, with Antalya drawing millions—good news for jobs, but a reminder of how climate and regional stability shape visitor flows.

COP31 & Climate Action: Türkiye’s COP31 push is building momentum, with coverage highlighting the push to turn climate decisions into action and the need to close the global climate finance gap. Zero Waste Movement: Türkiye’s Zero Waste Movement marks its 9th year with COP31 in focus, keeping waste reduction and circular habits on the agenda. Biodiversity & Conservation: A new push in Georgia to restore the Pine Log Wildlife Management Area spotlights how protected habitat can be secured for wildlife and public recreation. Wildfire & Pollution: An op-ed warns that wildfire seasons are worsening as fossil-fuel-driven climate change intensifies heat and dryness, driving dangerous smoke pollution. Energy Transition Tech: Floating power plants are gaining attention as a way to supply reliable electricity to coastal communities with limited space. Wildlife Research: Turkey-linked wildlife work includes tracking turkey populations to improve management, while other research points to new tools for identifying tick species. Diplomacy & Water Security: UN coverage spotlights water security debates and trust-building measures tied to regional stability.

COP31 & Zero Waste: Türkiye’s Zero Waste Movement marked its 9th year on Sept. 27, pushing “From 0 to COP31: Together for the World” ahead of COP31 in Antalya (Nov. 9–20). The campaign says it has expanded to 220,000 buildings and facilities, lifted recycling from 13% (2017) to 37.53% (2025), and aims for 60% recycling by 2035. Climate diplomacy: Bangladesh and Türkiye discussed possible Prime Minister Tarique Rahman participation in COP31 during talks between Turkish FM Hakan Fidan and Bangladesh’s Humaiun Kobir on the UNGA sidelines, alongside renewable/green energy and investment cooperation. Public health & environment tech: Turkish researchers are developing a smartphone AI app to identify tick species and flag those linked to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, building a local photo database for field use. Wildlife conservation: Oklahoma State University and state wildlife officials are studying turkey populations to improve management in Roger Mills County. Biodiversity protection: Georgia (US) announced a deal to re-establish the Pine Log Wildlife Management Area, protecting 14,640 acres and rare habitats.

COP31 & Climate Tech: Türkiye’s COP31 Presidency is pushing electrification and “climate-responsible AI,” unveiling a “35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge” and an Antalya AI pledge at New York Climate Week. Tourism & Land Use: The Culture and Tourism Ministry says licensed accommodation capacity has topped 1.9 million beds, with Antalya holding about one in three certified beds. AI Governance at the UN: Singapore’s UNGA speech backs new institutions and even a UN framework convention on AI safeguards, echoing Türkiye’s call for a shared legal framework. Climate Impacts on Society: A new report links global warming to cultural loss and mental health harms like eco-anxiety and climate depression, warning that COP31 must address more than emissions. Public Health & Mobility: A Turkish study reports ferroptosis-related cell death signatures in cumulus cells tied to diminished ovarian reserve, pointing to oxidative stress as a key driver. Regional Diplomacy: Turkish officials again stress Palestine at the UN and push back against Israel’s “misguided narrative,” while Erdogan says “war criminals” belong in courtrooms.

Climate & Heat Extremes: Türkiye’s State Meteorological Service says 2024 was the country’s hottest year on record, while 2025 became the driest since 1964—part of a wider global warming surge. COP31 Delivery & Waste: Turkey’s COP31 agenda rejects “uniform” climate benchmarks and pushes measurable targets, including raising electricity’s share to 35% by 2035 and cutting projected municipal waste growth in half. Global Warming’s Human Toll: A new report highlights how warming damages culture and mental health, from eco-anxiety to “ecological grief,” as COP31 nears in Turkey. Stray Animal Policy: Erzurum has banned feeding stray dogs on streets, with municipalities and local authorities tasked to monitor and manage breeding risks. Biodiversity/Conservation Context: The week also included attention to Turkey’s “dying lakes” and conservation themes, tying environmental change to local ecosystems. Security & Environment Link: Turkey’s climate and environmental agenda is unfolding alongside regional instability and UN diplomacy, with Erdogan again calling for accountability and justice at the UN.

Noah’s Ark Drilling in Turkey: Scientists have started drilling at the Durupinar site near Mt Ararat, where a boat-shaped formation has been linked by some researchers to the biblical “resting place” of Noah’s Ark, reigniting debate over the discovery. COP31 Climate Focus: Turkey’s Erdogan says the Antalya COP31 summit will turn climate decisions into action, while Turkish officials also push green investment rules to attract financing ahead of the meeting. Energy Poverty & Cooling Rights: Ahead of COP31, Turkish experts warn that energy poverty is also about access to cooling as heat extremes rise, calling for fair solutions rather than just winter-focused support. Social Media Crackdown: Turkey is advancing plans to tighten social media controls, including proposals to link accounts to national ID numbers—raising concerns for online freedom. Just Transition Debate: A new discussion ahead of COP31 highlights how “just transition” risks sidelining indigenous communities and local ecosystems when clean-energy projects scale up. Space for Climate Monitoring: Türkiye prepares to host the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, pitching space tech’s role in communications and climate monitoring.

COP31 Climate Push: President Erdoğan says Antalya’s COP31 must turn climate decisions into action and calls for bigger financing for developing countries, warning that Earth protection means more than speeches. Green Investment Rules: Türkiye is setting green investment standards ahead of COP31 to attract financing and speed up climate-aligned projects. Animal Welfare Policy: Erzurum bans feeding stray animals, arguing it can create breeding and living areas; municipalities and security forces will monitor compliance. Space & Climate Tech: Antalya prepares to host IAC 2026, highlighting space tech’s growing role in satellite services and climate monitoring. Regional Security With Environmental Spillover Risks: Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan condemn attacks on Makkah and plan urgent military chiefs’ talks under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. Energy & Industry Footprint: Senegal signs an MoU with Türkiye’s Yamata for a major refinery push, aiming to process more local crude for West Africa’s fuel market.

Noah’s Ark Drilling in Türkiye: Researchers have begun core drilling at the boat-shaped Durupınar formation near Mount Ararat in Ağrı, after reports of organic traces in rock samples reignited debate over a possible ancient vessel—though scientists stress it’s not proof yet and more analysis is needed. COP31 Climate Push: Turkey’s COP31 agenda is being framed around turning climate decisions into action, with a new AI climate initiative pitched as a summit priority and a focus on closing the global financing gap. Fossil Fuel Transition Pressure: Germany approved a roadmap to phase out oil, coal and gas by 2045, reaffirming climate neutrality and urging others to publish similar national plans ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Local Environment Concerns: A park renovation in Gilbert (Arizona) has sparked complaints about foul smells and dead wildlife as a lake is drained for repairs—highlighting how restoration work can create short-term ecological fallout. Türkiye–Iraq Rapprochement: Ankara and Baghdad announced the gradual handover of the Bashiqa-Zilkan Turkish military base to Iraq’s federal government, signaling a shift in regional security dynamics.