AGP Executive Report

UN AI Transparency Push: UN chief António Guterres urged major AI firms to publicly disclose the full environmental cost of data centres—water, carbon and land use—and to run them on renewable power by 2030, warning the sector’s electricity and water demand could derail climate goals. Heat Stress Warning: A new Nature Climate Change study finds Mexico, Kenya, Italy and other regions are now seeing one to two more months of heat stress than decades ago, with humid heat waves proving especially dangerous for people. COP31 Climate Agenda: Turkey’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum said COP31 in Antalya should shift from talks to action, with electrification and climate finance for developing countries at the center of negotiations. Energy & Water Cooperation: DEWA and Türkiye’s ambassador met to discuss energy, water and infrastructure collaboration, highlighting clean power projects like Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Turkey’s Fault Map Update: Türkiye updated its active fault map after 13 years, a reminder of how climate and disaster risk planning must stay current. Biodiversity & Pollution Watch: Europe’s battery storage build-out is accelerating toward 2030, while Turkey’s wider push for climate action continues ahead of COP31.

COP31 & Climate Finance: Türkiye’s COP31 president Murat Kurum met UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband in London, discussing climate finance, energy transition, electrification and Zero Waste ahead of COP31. Electrification Push: Global business leaders including Nestlé and IKEA urged governments to make electrification central to economic strategy, warning fossil-fuel price volatility hurts competitiveness and calling for grid investment and clearer policy. Air Pollution Trend: A study reports Istanbul air pollution fell 8% in May, adding to the debate on what’s driving cleaner urban air. Biodiversity & Invasives: In the U.S., officials say more than 1,800 invasive wild pigs were eradicated from Land Between the Lakes, citing damage to crops, cultural sites and wildlife habitat. Water & Heritage Science: New research suggests the Euphrates’ ancient origins may have reshaped Mesopotamia’s rise, with implications for understanding long-ago river changes. Extreme Heat Risk: New findings warn heat stress is worsening globally, with some regions facing longer, more frequent dangerous conditions than decades ago.

Geothermal Protest in Varto: Villagers in Varto’s Xwarik (Gimgim) kept up a 51st-day vigil against a planned geothermal power plant by IGNIS H2 Enerji, with residents from Keralix, Selçûg, Eyna Lola and Iskender taking over the action, saying the project would harm local nature and living spaces. Earthquake Risk Update: Türkiye’s state geological agency (MTA) launched the Türkiye Active Fault Map 2026 after 13 years, expanding identified active faults from 485 (2013) to 700, to support disaster planning and infrastructure decisions. Marine Pollution Cleanup: A Turkish marine group removed about 650,000 sq m of abandoned “ghost nets” from the Marmara Sea over the past decade, warning that lost gear keeps trapping wildlife and adds to microplastic pollution. Air Quality Snapshot: An ITU study found Istanbul’s PM10 pollution fell 8% in May year-on-year, though some districts saw sharp increases. Rights Under Pressure: Rights groups condemned Turkey’s blocking of around 40 X accounts tied to feminist and LGBT groups as a serious, disproportionate free-speech infringement. Climate Diplomacy Push: EU, Canada and China opened Paris-aligned climate talks ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, stressing multilateral action despite US absence.

Climate & Water Security: A new analysis warns Syria’s Euphrates flood risk was worsened by late, reactive reservoir management—Türkiye’s releases arrived when Syrian storage was already near limits, turning risk planning into emergency pass-through. Biodiversity & Nature: Turkey’s Black Sea coast saw fresh concern after suspected military munitions washed ashore in Istanbul and Samsun; authorities cordoned areas and destroyed items in controlled detonations. COP31 & Tourism: Turkish industry is gearing up for a “year of summits,” with Ankara hosting NATO in July and Antalya set to host COP31 plus the International Astronautical Congress—expected to boost visitor numbers and hotel occupancy. Defense & Industry: Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s push for fully domestic defense production as patrol-vessel deliveries and naval commissioning underline growing self-reliance. Women’s Safety: A femicide monitoring report says killings and “suspicious deaths” of women remain high in Turkey and Kurdistan, pointing to structural drivers behind the violence. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt’s Al-Sisi urged institutionalising the Egypt–Saudi Arabia–Türkiye–Pakistan consultative mechanism, welcoming the US-Iran MoU as a step to reduce tensions.

Defense Industry & Maritime Security: President Erdoğan said Türkiye is pushing for fully domestic defense production as Istanbul Shipyard ceremonies delivered a patrol vessel to Romania and commissioned another into the Turkish navy—marking Türkiye’s first warship export to a NATO and EU member. Climate Policy & Tourism: Antalya is preparing to host three major global summits in 2026—NATO (Ankara, July 7-8), COP31 (Antalya, Nov. 9-20) and the International Astronautical Congress (Oct. 5-9)—with tourism groups expecting a major boost. Climate Talks in Bonn: Delegations ended the Bonn climate summit without key agreements, reopening disputes over financing for adaptation and the role of fossil-fuel-linked interests ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Agriculture & Food Security: The USDA said global wheat supplies are rising, with production increases for Russia, Turkey and Ukraine—while Turkey’s wheat output is projected at a record 22.5 million tonnes. Women’s Safety & Rights: A Turkish women’s rights platform reported rising femicides and “suspicious deaths,” linking the trend to a deep structural “masculinity crisis.” Energy Cooperation: Bulgaria expects BOTAS’s natural gas agreement parameters to be fully renegotiated within 1-2 months due to new market conditions. Digital Cities & Disaster Readiness: An AI-focused symposium highlighted satellite and mapping tools to improve emergency guidance, traffic planning and early forest-fire detection.

Free Speech Crackdown: A Turkish rights group says authorities blocked around 40 X accounts tied to feminist and LGBT groups, calling it a serious, disproportionate infringement of free speech as Pride Month activity grows. Climate Finance Deadlock: The Bonn climate summit ended without key agreements, reopening fights over how fossil-fuel-linked interests and who pays for climate adaptation should be handled ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Energy Cooperation Talks: Bulgaria’s energy minister says the BOTAS natural gas agreement should be fully renegotiated within 1–2 months as market conditions change, with expert talks already underway. Rare Earths Shock: The Iran war is driving sharp price jumps in strategic metals and rare earths used in missiles and advanced tech, as export restrictions and “mineral nationalism” reshape supply. AI for Safer Cities: Experts at a symposium in Turkey urged using AI plus satellite and geospatial data to improve disaster response, traffic, and even early wildfire prediction. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Türkiye reports releasing millions of animals to support biodiversity, while stray-dog removal plans are also in the spotlight.

Climate Policy: Turkey’s COP31 push is getting louder in Bonn: the country is backing a goal to reach at least 35% of final energy from electricity by 2035, arguing electrification is the “missing piece” for Paris targets. Energy Transition: The same debate is framed as a rapid shift away from fossil fuels, with electrification pitched for cities and manufacturing. Urban Development: Turkey and Kyrgyzstan signed a cooperation agreement in Ankara covering urban planning, architecture, territorial planning and “sustainable urban development,” aiming for joint projects and technology exchange. Biodiversity & Land Use: Turkey is also linked to biodiversity support efforts, including releasing millions of animals to back conservation. Local Environment & Culture: Antalya’s carpet fields in Döşemealtı are being used for sun-curing and natural dye processing ahead of export, with the season delayed by wetter winter and spring weather. Governance & Rights: A D-8 commission session in Ankara reviewed cooperation across trade, energy, tourism, agriculture and connectivity, while Turkish women’s rights voices again tied peace to democratization.

Climate Diplomacy: UN climate talks in Bonn ended in “gridlock,” with negotiators side-stepping key issues and pushing difficult decisions toward COP31 in Turkey. Water & Health Security: At the IsDB annual meetings in Baku, Türkiye backed wastewater and environmental surveillance as an early-warning tool for regional public health threats. Biodiversity & Invasives: In the U.S., officials say more than 1,800 invasive wild pigs were eradicated from Land Between the Lakes, citing damage to crops, cultural sites, and wildlife. Pollution Solutions: A new study highlights “turkey tail” mushrooms as a low-cost way to filter E. coli and nutrients from rivers, with regulators backing pilot-scale rollout. Local Environment Management: Turkey’s interior ministry ordered municipalities not to install giant public screens for a World Cup match to reduce noise and traffic disruption during the YKS exam period. NATO & Emissions: A separate report flags military emissions as a major climate blind spot, underscoring gaps in how defense pollution is tracked.

Climate Diplomacy: Germany’s environment minister said COP31 in Türkiye could turn climate pledges into measurable progress, urging faster implementation after Bonn talks flagged both “real strides” and geopolitical backsliding risks. Renewables in Aviation: iGA Istanbul Airport says it now runs on 100% solar electricity via its Eskişehir Solar Power Plant, positioning the airport ahead of its 2050 net-zero target. Heatwave Forecasting: A new study warns advanced climate models may miss early warning signals for Middle East heatwaves, cutting lead time for preparedness. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Türkiye released more than 3.7 million animals to support biodiversity, while Istanbul’s northern forests are highlighted as spring refuge for migratory birds. COP31 Focus on Energy: UN climate chief Simon Stiell cautioned countries against “side-stepping and stalling” as COP31 approaches, stressing science and climate finance commitments. Local Environment Policy: Turkey orders municipalities to remove stray dogs before a NATO summit, adding to ongoing public debate over animal management.

Climate Diplomacy at Bonn: Oxfam says rich countries are dodging climate finance, warning Bonn talks have been derailed by refusal to scale up adaptation funding ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. COP31 Warning: UN climate chief Simon Stiell cautioned that geopolitical tensions are undermining global action and urged countries not to reopen or backslide on Paris commitments. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Türkiye released 3.7 million animals to support biodiversity, while separate reports highlight efforts to protect ecosystems—from removing 1,800 wild pigs in Kentucky–Tennessee to safeguarding migratory birds in Istanbul’s northern forests. Energy Transition Pressure: UN-linked reporting argues fossil-fuel dependence is driving a “cost crisis” for economies, pushing renewed urgency for renewables investment. Local Environment Governance: Turkey orders municipalities to remove stray dogs before a NATO summit, adding another reminder of how public policy intersects with environmental and urban management.

Biodiversity & Nature Tourism: A new hiking-leader training program is underway at the foot of Mount Ağrı, with 20 candidates from Iğdır, Kars and Ağrı learning navigation, emergency response and safe guiding through extensive field practice on the mountain’s slopes. Heritage Conservation: Istanbul’s Prinkipo (Büyükada) Greek orphanage—Europe’s largest wooden building—is set for a landmark restoration after an agreement signed June 15, aiming to bring the long-abandoned 1898 structure back into active use while preserving its original architecture. Climate Policy & Science: Ahead of COP31 preparations, envoys say “fossil fuel interests” are trying to undermine climate science language in draft talks in Bonn, including references to the IPCC and the 1.5°C warming goal. Sustainable Industry: Turkish nonwovens producer Göliplik is preparing to enter sustainable wipes production with an ANDRITZ WetlaceTM line, targeting bio-based, flushable wipes and commissioning starting late 2026. Cultural Tourism: Türkiye’s Night Museums project launches its third season, opening 20 museums and heritage sites nightly from 7 pm until late, running June 1–Oct 1, 2026.

COP31 Climate Prep: Envoys say a “small group of fossil fuel interests” is trying to weaken climate science language in Bonn talks, including references to the IPCC and the 1.5°C goal, as COP31 heads to Antalya in November. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Turkey has released 3.7M animals to support biodiversity, while Istanbul’s northern forests are highlighted as a key migratory-bird refuge. Urban Nature & Cleanup: Izmit Bay’s seabed cleanup is reported at 70% completion. Stray Dogs Policy: Ankara police have ordered municipalities to remove stray dogs from summit routes and venues ahead of the July 7-8 NATO summit. Sustainable Industry: Göliplik Şeremet Tekstil is moving into bio-based, flushable wipes via an ANDRITZ nonwovens line, framed as a sustainability step. Conservation Funding (Global): The US NFWF announced $20M to restore longleaf pine forests using prescribed fire and habitat work.

Night Museums in Turkey: The “Night Museums” project is back for a third season, opening 20 museums and heritage sites daily from 7 pm to late-night until Oct. 1, 2026—aiming to spread visitor traffic, cut daytime congestion, and support more sustainable heritage tourism. Biodiversity & Wildlife: A new study warns the Caucasian lynx may be pushed out of parts of its southern range as climate and land-use change warm and dry the slopes faster. Stray Dogs Plan: Turkey is also reported to be preparing to remove stray dogs from streets by year-end, as part of a broader urban animal management push. Gulf Peace Diplomacy: President Erdoğan welcomed the US-Iran agreement, urging parties to avoid sabotage and escalation before formal signing, while Turkish officials highlight Qatar’s mediation role. Textile Sustainability: Jade Textile Egypt, a Turkish group unit, targets $285m in exports by end-2026 and says it will adopt sustainability and green standards in dyeing and textile production.

Biodiversity Under Pressure: A new study warns the Caucasian lynx could be pushed out of southern mountain slopes as warming and drying accelerate, shrinking suitable habitat across Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran. Plastic Circularity Push: SynPet secured an environmental and planning permit for a major Port of Antwerp recycling plant, aiming to turn mixed plastic waste into circular products—an approach that could cut landfill and virgin plastic demand. Water & Waste Infrastructure: The European Investment Bank is backing Türkiye’s earthquake reconstruction with support for drinking water and wastewater systems in Hatay, alongside renewable energy and efficiency finance for SMEs. Judicial Trust & Investment: Former Constitutional Court chief Haşim Kılıç says foreign investors will avoid Türkiye without confidence in courts, pointing to high-profile detentions tied to business groups. Gülen Extradition Drive: Justice Minister Akın Gürlek says Türkiye will update and resubmit extradition requests for FETÖ-linked suspects abroad, citing “new evidence.” Regional Diplomacy: Erdoğan urged international actors to protect the new US-Iran agreement from sabotage, warning Israel may try to derail the peace process.

Stray Dogs Policy: Turkey’s Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi says stray dogs will be collected and moved to shelters nationwide by year-end, aiming for full collection rates—while animal groups warn shelter capacity is far below the estimated street population. Offshore Wind Footprint: A new study flags how national plans could push offshore wind farms across the North Sea by 2050, potentially covering up to 11% of waters and affecting marine life and cross-border energy output. Hormuz & Energy Security: Iran, the U.S. and Pakistan finalized a MoU to end the war, with regional states welcoming the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—seen as crucial for oil and gas flows. Turkey’s Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov said Moscow appreciates Turkey’s interest in helping resolve Ukraine, with trade ties and a commission meeting planned later this year. Textile Sustainability Push: EFI Reggiani showcased ecoTERRA pigment printing aimed at cutting water, energy and chemicals, as Turkey’s textile sector leans into greener production. Local Governance & Permits: Turkish police detained 37 suspects in an Istanbul-linked municipal corruption probe involving alleged illegal construction permit approvals.

Wildlife Enforcement: Turkish authorities seized dozens of exotic animals in Istanbul—tarantulas, snakes, scorpions, iguanas and African giant snails—after a tip-off, imposing an administrative fine and warning inspections will continue. Climate Policy: COP30’s presidency in Bonn unveiled key elements of an energy-transition roadmap aimed at replacing fossil fuels in a fair, orderly way, with differentiated responsibilities and a push toward net-zero by 2050. Corporate Decarbonization: Henkel says it achieved carbon-neutral production at flagship adhesive sites in Gebkim (Türkiye) and Kurkumbh (India) by electrifying heat systems and switching to renewable electricity, cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Water & Materials in Art: Istanbul’s Black Light Gallery opened “Water, Paper, Paint,” exploring how water, handmade paper and pigment interact—running through July 25. Public Health & Rights: A Vicdan Foundation report says most children under 6 living with mothers in Turkish prisons face developmental delays and psychological harm, citing overcrowding and lack of age-appropriate care. AI Strategy: Erdoğan launched Türkiye’s AI Action Plan 2026–2030 with $10bn in infrastructure investment and training targets, while critics say earlier commitments were not met.