AGP Executive Report

COP31 in Antalya: Turkey’s tourism hub Antalya is ramping up for COP31, with officials projecting about $2bn in economic activity and splitting the venue into a “Blue Zone” for leaders and a “Green Zone” for NGOs as infrastructure work accelerates. Clean Industry & Water Tech: Eight Turkish institutions showcased sustainability projects at an EU clean-industry brokerage event, including AI-powered water recovery for textile plants, low-carbon hydrogen, and sustainable cement recycling. Plastic Enforcement Push: Environmental Action Germany (DUH) says banned single-use plastics are still being sold online years after the EU ban and is urging tougher enforcement against retailers. Textile Waste Probe: OLAF and Turkish customs are investigating alleged illegal textile waste shipments from Italy to Turkey, with thousands of tons found in storage and scrutiny rising over fast-fashion recycling failures. NATO Summit, Security Focus: As NATO leaders gather in Ankara, Turkey’s National Intelligence Academy frames the meeting as a turning point for “NATO 3.0,” arguing NATO must adapt to hybrid threats and new technologies. Strait of Hormuz Logistics: Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is gradually normalizing after a US-Iran memorandum, easing spot-market pressure and risk premiums. Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with deaths surpassing 400 as the virus spreads into new health zones and strains fragile systems.

Climate & Heat: Extreme heat continues to hit Europe and the US, with reports of dangerous temperatures and knock-on effects like disrupted transport and health risks—fueling demand for cooling solutions. Energy & Industry: Turkish HVAC exports are rising as European heat becomes more persistent, pushing households and public institutions to upgrade climate control. Waste & Circularity: Türkiye is rolling out a nationwide recycling return scheme, aiming to boost collection and refunds. Biodiversity & Wildlife Monitoring: Turkey’s neighbors and US states are running public wildlife surveys—wild turkey brood counts and similar community reporting efforts—to track population trends and guide management. NATO & Security Infrastructure: Türkiye says its next-generation Ay Yıldiz Joint Headquarters will be showcased at the Ankara summit, with an emphasis on modern command systems and protective, “environmentally friendly” design. Regional Conflict: Türkiye condemned deadly bomb attacks in Damascus, urging unity and warning attacks aim to disrupt stability. Policy & Governance: Turkey-US talks continue on lifting CAATSA sanctions, with Ankara saying both leaders show “strong will” to resolve the issue.

Waste Enforcement: EU anti-fraud office OLAF says Turkish customs intercepted illegal textile waste shipments from Italy, including nearly 2,100 tonnes found in a Turkish warehouse and another 768 tonnes at Mersin port—both allegedly mislabelled to dodge recycling rules. Disaster Health: Turkey’s Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu told the WHO that Istanbul hosted an international conference on earthquake emergency health, sharing Türkiye’s disaster response experience with ministers from around 40 countries. Climate & Oceans: The EU’s Copernicus monitor reports the world’s oceans had their hottest June on record, with sea surface temperatures hitting 20.98°C and marine heatwaves continuing as El Niño risk grows. Air Defense: Reuters reports Turkey is evaluating Patriot or SAMP/T to close long-range missile gaps, with work on the Steel Dome continuing. Air Defense Infrastructure: Turkey plans to showcase the Ay Yıldız Joint Headquarters at next week’s NATO summit in Ankara, designed to centralize command and include CBRN protection. Biodiversity/Animals: A reminder from wildlife authorities elsewhere not to disturb deer fawns—useful for public wildlife safety awareness.

Plastic Recycling Push: Türkiye rolled out a nationwide deposit-return system for plastic, glass and metal packaging in all 81 provinces, with refunds of 1 lira per returned item via the DOA app and more return machines planned. Coal Expansion Alarm: Çanakkale’s Cenal Coal Power Plant is seeking to expand by adding a new 1,050 MW unit, raising installed capacity to 2,370 MW, despite environmental concerns flagged in the project area. EU Trade Pressure: The EU started a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value e-commerce parcels (up to €150), aiming to curb unfair competition and improve consumer safety. Circular Economy Policy: The deposit scheme is expected to collect 25 billion packaging items annually, with an estimated TRY 30 billion economic contribution. Regional Climate Context: Europe’s extreme heat continues to drive health and resilience concerns, with reports of widespread heatwave impacts and excess deaths. Biodiversity & Safety: Türkiye’s wider environmental agenda intersects with wildlife protection efforts as countries push for safer habitat connectivity and reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Waste & Recycling: Türkiye launched a nationwide Deposit Return System on July 1, paying a 1 lira refund per eligible plastic, glass and aluminium beverage container via return points and reverse vending machines, aiming to cut waste and support a circular economy ahead of COP31. Climate & Health: A Turkish cardiologist warned that climate change is now a public health crisis, linking rising heat waves to higher cardiovascular deaths and strokes as Türkiye and Europe face hotter summers. Consumer Protection & Green Claims: Ankara’s Trade Ministry introduced new rules against misleading advertising, including tighter standards for influencer posts, AI-generated characters, and environmental claims. NATO Summit Crackdown: Ahead of the July 7-8 NATO summit in Ankara, authorities arrested more than 200 people, including environmental activists such as TEMA’s Ankara representative, amid a two-week public gathering ban. Disaster Response Tech: A Turkish-made through-the-wall radar helped rescue teams in Venezuela after earthquakes, marking its first international operational mission and building on its earlier Türkiye-Syria quake role. EU Trade & Imports: The EU rolled out new steel import rules and ended duty-free entry for low-value parcels, a move expected to reshape China-linked e-commerce flows into Europe.

Extreme Heat Watch: A new AFP analysis warns that over 95 million people in Europe (excluding Turkey) face temperatures above 35C Tuesday, with climate change making such June heat “virtually impossible” without it—bringing school closures and canceled outdoor plans. NATO Ankara Summit Focus: Ahead of the July 7-8 NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey’s defense minister says NATO is “adjusting” to a changing security landscape and that the US is not seeking to leave the alliance, while urging Turkey’s inclusion in future European defense structures. EU-Turkey Diplomacy: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas led a delegation to meet Erdoğan in Ankara, aiming to push cooperation on security, migration, energy and regional connectivity amid criticism over Turkey’s crackdown on dissent. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Turkish prosecutors indicted ETHA journalist Pınar Gayıp on terrorism charges tied to her reporting on Saturday Mothers vigils and related events. Security Cooperation: MIT chief İbrahim Kalın met Iraqi officials in Baghdad to discuss regional security and intelligence sharing after transfers of ISIS members to Iraq.

Extreme Heat in Europe: AFP reports a record early-summer heatwave is easing slightly, but still leaves over 95 million people in Europe facing 35°C+ temperatures, with climate change making such June extremes “almost impossible” without it—bringing excess deaths, school closures and disrupted daily life. EU-Türkiye Transport Green Push: As the EU-Türkiye Strengthening Intermodal Transport Services project wraps up, Ankara and Brussels highlight a shift toward safer, more environmentally friendly freight, aiming to boost Middle Corridor capacity and connectivity. NATO Summit Air-Defence Signals: Ahead of the July 7–8 Ankara NATO leaders’ summit, Turkey’s defense minister says Ankara is evaluating SAMP/T and Patriot purchases and stresses the US is not seeking to leave NATO—while demanding Turkey be included in European defense planning. Foster Care Expansion: Türkiye marks Foster Family Day with the first lady praising the foster-care model; officials say 11,022 children are now growing up with foster families. Biofuel Bunkering Results: Arkas Bunker says it supplied 15,000+ tons of marine biofuels in Turkey over two years, cutting GHG emissions by about 14,500 tonnes. EU Delegation to Ankara: Senior EU officials (including enlargement and foreign policy chiefs) are set to meet Turkish counterparts on accession, migration and cooperation ahead of the summit.

Heatwave Toll in Europe: The WHO says Europe has recorded over 1,300 excess deaths linked to the record heatwave, warning that heat stress is a “silent killer” as hospitals strain and temperatures soar. COP31 Row with Cyprus: EU officials called Turkey’s exclusion of Cyprus from COP31-related events “unacceptable,” arguing EU member states must be treated equally ahead of the November summit Turkey hosts. Fashion Waste Push: France approved a bill to curb “ultra-fast fashion” advertising (Shein, Temu, AliExpress), with penalties for influencers and a rising environmental contribution per product. Turkey Clean Energy Deal: Sineng Electric signed a 1GW supply agreement with Arde Enerji for PV inverter and PCS solutions, backing Turkey’s solar and storage expansion. Nature Disclosure Standards: The ISSB plans nature-related disclosure proposals as an exposure draft in October, aiming to reduce fragmentation alongside existing climate reporting rules. Wildlife & Disease Monitoring: Delaware updated hunting rules, including expanded Sunday hunting, a year-round coyote season, and new Chronic Wasting Disease updates after detection.

Heat & Health: A new joint study warns heat waves are rising across Türkiye’s biggest cities—heat-wave frequency climbed at 11 of 15 stations over 1926–2024, with Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir seeing the sharpest increases. Pollution & Water Infrastructure: Dead fish covered Istanbul’s Çırpıcı Stream in Zeytinburnu after ISKI maintenance cut water flow and blocked the stream’s connection to the Sea of Marmara; crews removed carcasses while an investigation is underway. Extreme Weather in Europe: Balkans and parts of Europe brace for bushfires and record temperatures as a heat wave pushes east; scientists say climate change made June conditions far more likely. EU-Türkiye Talks: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and commissioners for enlargement and migration are set to visit Ankara ahead of the NATO summit, with discussions expected to cover security, migration, connectivity and EU enlargement. NATO Summit Crackdown: Ahead of the Ankara NATO summit, an Ankara court formally arrested 178 people, including academics, journalists and environmental activists, amid a broader crackdown and protest restrictions.

Heatwave Health Crisis: The WHO says Europe has recorded 1,300+ excess deaths since June 21 as extreme heat spreads, with France reporting about 1,000 more deaths than expected and forecasts showing 191 million people facing 35°C+ conditions. Wildfire Risk in Türkiye: Türkiye’s agriculture ministry reports 3,224 forest fires in 2025, with negligence the top cause (1,753 fires) and 40,000+ hectares damaged. Renewables Push: A BloombergNEF report says Türkiye ranked 5th for new wind and 10th for new solar additions in 2025, adding 6.4GW solar and 2.1GW wind, and expects wind/solar to reach 120GW by 2035. Marine Pollution Watch: Salvors in Kenya are trying to remove a Turkish-owned cargo ship beached near a marine protected area for six weeks, as authorities say hull integrity looks intact but monitoring continues. EU-Türkiye Talks: An EU delegation is set to meet Ankara officials ahead of the NATO summit, with discussions expected to cover migration, connectivity, enlargement and visas.

Wildfire Risk: Türkiye’s Ministry data says negligence drove more than half of last year’s forest fires (1,753 of 3,224 in 2025), with over 40,000 hectares damaged—while forest cover continues to rise, now about 30% of the country. Renewables Push: BloombergNEF’s “Turkey Transition Factbook 2026” ranks Türkiye among the world’s top markets for wind and solar additions in 2025, with 6.4GW solar and 2.1GW wind added, and expects wind+solar capacity to reach 120GW by 2035. Energy Transition Targets: Türkiye is also moving toward electrification goals, with reporting on plans to electrify 35% of energy use by 2035—tying climate policy to industrial and grid needs. Climate Heat Impacts: Europe’s record heatwave is worsening health risks, with hospitals strained and emergency measures triggered—an indirect warning for Türkiye as summer conditions intensify. Governance & Rights: Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, rights groups condemned a protest ban and arrests, including environmental NGO TEMA staff—raising concerns about civic space during major international meetings.

COP31 Energy Push: Turkey’s environment minister Murat Kurum urged countries to electrify to cut emissions, targeting a rise in electricity’s share of energy demand from 20% today to 35% by 2035. WWI Heritage Protection: Çanakkale launched the “Deep Heritage Project” to conserve dozens of World War I shipwrecks in the Dardanelles, including plans for cathodic protection for the first wreck, HMS Louis. NATO Summit Crackdown: Ahead of the Ankara NATO summit, Turkish authorities detained 178 suspects on terrorism-related charges, with reports naming environmental NGO TEMA and volunteers among those held. Extreme Heat Health Watch: Europe’s heatwave is stressing health systems, with warnings that hot weather can trigger “summer SAD” and other heat-related mental wellbeing issues. Waste & Flood Response: Ghana reopened the Achimota-Abofu Transfer Station with Zoomlion support to tackle post-flood sanitation and waste disposal disruptions. Medical Cannabis Facility: İzmir’s Kınık district is preparing a high-security medicinal cannabis production site after Turkey’s 2025 medical legalization.

WWI Heritage Protection: Türkiye has launched the “Deep Heritage Project” to safeguard dozens of World War I shipwrecks in the Dardanelles near Çanakkale, using scuba training and planned cathodic protection for sites including the British destroyer HMS Louis. NATO Summit Crackdown: Ahead of the July 7–8 NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish authorities detained and remanded over 100 people, including journalists, academics and environmental NGO figures tied to TEMA, with prosecutors citing “terror” allegations. Extreme Heat & Health: Reports highlight how record summer heat can trigger “summer SAD” and other heat-related mental strain, adding to warnings that hot weather is stressing health systems. Medical Cannabis Push: In İzmir’s Kınık district, a high-security facility is being prepared for medicinal cannabis production under new pharmacy and healthcare rules adopted in 2025. Climate Finance Implementation: COP30 president André Aranha Corrêa do Lago says three implementation roadmaps will be released ahead of November, with India central to the $1.3tn climate finance plan and fossil-fuel transition. Earthquake Lessons (Global): Coverage of Venezuela’s twin quakes points to older construction and soft soils as key drivers of collapse—an urgent reminder for seismic resilience planning.

NATO Summit Crackdown: Ahead of the Ankara NATO summit, Turkish police detained 225 people in anti-terror raids, with 103 ordered into pretrial detention; among those held were journalist Yıldız Tar, academic Emel Memiş, and TEMA Foundation representative Nevzat Özer plus dozens of volunteers. Online Censorship Push: A rights group says Turkey blocked over 1.5 million websites/domains in 2025 and is preparing new legislation that would further tighten control over digital speech. COP31 Cyprus Row: The EU warned Turkey not to exclude Cyprus from COP31 preparations in Antalya, after reports of Cyprus being left out of briefings and meetings. Textile Waste Probe: EU investigators seized 4,200 tonnes of illegally shipped textile waste sent to Turkey from Italy, highlighting ongoing waste-export risks. Heat and Resilience: Europe’s record heatwave is driving emergency measures and climate-resilience funding discussions, with Turkey also preparing for extreme heat. Biodiversity Note: A reminder that invasive honeysuckle species are spreading and can outcompete native plants.

Extreme Heat & Public Health: Europe’s heatwave is worsening, with AFP estimating 101 million people in Europe (excluding Turkey) facing temperatures above 35C, while France reports at least 55 heat-related drownings as people seek relief in rivers and reservoirs. Türkiye Heat Outlook: Turkish Meteorology warns a similar heatwave could hit Türkiye from the weekend, with humidity making coastal areas feel much hotter; experts urge extra care for elderly, children, and chronic illness patients. COP31 Access Dispute: Cyprus says it may be excluded from COP31 preparations in Antalya, alleging Türkiye plans to invite only 26 EU states and that Cyprus has been left out of preparatory meetings. NATO Summit Security vs Civil Society: Ahead of the Ankara NATO summit, Turkish courts ordered arrest warrants for 103 people, including claims involving environmental group TEMA, as authorities impose broad demonstration bans and traffic restrictions. Disaster Response: Türkiye is sending search-and-rescue and medical teams to earthquake-hit Venezuela, deploying A400M aircraft with AFAD, UMKE, Kızılay, and rescue dogs. Marine Heritage Protection: Türkiye launched “Deep Heritage” to preserve Gallipoli-era shipwrecks in the Çanakkale Strait, using high-tech protection and digital cataloging to support sustainable diving tourism.

Shared Water Security: Iraq and Syria signed an MoU to manage shared Euphrates water resources and exchange technical data after June rains boosted flows and triggered flooding in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa. Maritime Pollution & Shipping Governance: Iran is pushing a plan to charge fees for “security, safety and environmental services” in the Strait of Hormuz, with officials citing up to $40bn a year and even pointing to Turkey’s Dardanelles model as a template—while the US rejects any tolls on an international waterway. Heat & Public Health: A Europe-wide heatwave is straining hospitals and driving emergency calls, with France even restricting public alcohol consumption in Paris as temperatures top 35°C and hundreds of deaths are linked to extreme heat. Local Climate Resistance: Villagers in Varto are continuing a seven-week-plus joint protest against a planned geothermal plant, saying it threatens water sources, farmland and the region’s ecological balance. Waste Crime Watch: EU investigators (OLAF) uncovered illegal textile waste exports from Italy to Turkey, seizing thousands of tons and warning that high-acrylic, non-biodegradable waste can persist in the environment for centuries. Disaster Preparedness: A guide to earthquake early-warning systems highlights that Turkey has such alerts, while Venezuela’s deadly twin quakes still reached many people via phone warnings rather than a national system.