When we talk about the climate crisis, the conversation often turns to carbon emissions, rising temperatures and the energy transition. But the change we need goes well beyond these issues. The resources we use, the products we make, the materials we consume and the waste we leave behind all have consequences for the world we pass on to future generations.
For this reason, I believe the vision Türkiye puts forward on the road to COP31 should not be defined by emissions reduction alone. Climate action is also about reconsidering the way we use resources in our daily lives and across our economies. We need to consume less, make better use of what we already have, improve resource efficiency and encourage innovation in alternative materials. We also need to strengthen the circular economy. Before any of this can happen, however, we need a change in mindset.
The Zero Waste Movement is a good example of what such a change can achieve. Launched in 2017 under the leadership of first lady Emine Erdoğan, the movement has always been about more than collecting and recycling waste. At its heart is a much simpler idea: whenever possible, waste should be prevented before it is created.
What began in Türkiye has since found support in many parts of the world. That experience shows us that an idea, when it responds to a shared challenge, does not have to remain within national borders.
