United Nations Environmental Program
Renewable Energy
Republic of Turkey
Natalie Robbins
Forest Hills Eastern High School
Due to economic and population growth, electricity demands increase by 5.5% on average per year in the Republic of Turkey. As a result, demands are expected to grow by 50% within the next decade. While Turkey has managed to triple its energy capacity in the last 15 years, we must continue to work to meet its projected demands –– and we must do so in a sustainable, environmentally friendly manner. Climate change presents an ever-present threat to Turkey, whose environment, particularly in its eastern region, is especially vulnerable to drought, heatwaves, and flooding as global warming progresses. Thus, Turkey believes that an increased and improved utilization of renewable energy is not merely an option, but a necessity.
While Turkey has contributed to the increasing amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the past quarter-century, we are investing in efficient and renewable energy sources in order to meet its renewable energy goal for 2023, which consists of increasing its percentage of renewable energy sources to two-thirds of its energy production. As both the Euphrates and the Tigris rivers originate in Turkey, hydroelectricity supports about a fifth of its overall energy supply, a fraction that is projected to grow to meet its goal. Solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy sources have been utilized as well as Turkey transitions from oil and coal-based electricity production. Turkey has also planned to integrate nuclear energy into its energy mix. Turkey does not, however, only believe in an increase in renewable energy production, but also its conservation. Another aspect of its 2023 energy goal includes reducing consumption per capita by 20%.
Turkey wholeheartedly believes in a shift to renewable energy for the good of the planet, but asks for leniency from the committee for countries that still rely on nonrenewable energy, as these sources are often critical for their economic wellbeing. Turkey believes that such countries must use such energy production as a crutch in order to successfully and smoothly transition to more sustainable options, and that countries with the resources should aid in this transition. Turkey also encourages increased funding for research and technological development that will aid the global community in discovering energy production that is even more efficient and environmentally-friendly. Turkey also proposes more public campaigns and education in terms of renewable energy and proper energy consumption in order to decrease waste among the world’s citizens.
- Natalie Robbins
