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TÜBA-Green Transformation in Industry and Circular Economy Workshop

The “Workshop on Green Transformation and Circular Economy in Industry,” prepared by the TÜBA Working Group on Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate Change, was held at Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ).

The event took place at the Historical Bath on YTÜ Davutpaşa Campus and included six sessions where topics ranging from climate change and sustainability to the goals of the European Green Deal and Türkiye’s roadmap on these issues were discussed. A total of 30 scientists and experts participated, including TÜBA members, academics from various Turkish universities, and public administrators and specialists.

“We are doing something wrong”
In his opening speech, TÜBA President Prof. Muzaffer Şeker emphasized that the balance between production and consumption has been disrupted by the incentives of the capitalist system, highlighting the resulting environmental and social costs: “Rich countries have consumed the world’s resources wastefully, and now they expect us to fix the situation. They easily withdraw from agreements they have signed and manage the process with insincere strategies.”

Prof. Şeker stressed the need to reestablish the production-consumption balance and noted that natural resources do not belong solely to the current generation: “Just as we criticize the mistakes of the past, we must develop a new approach so that future generations do not blame us. Resources that belong to everyone must be consumed more responsibly.”

He stated that Türkiye is making sincere efforts in this process and has taken serious steps toward green transformation through legislation and planning. However, he underlined that global inequalities persist: “There are still people in Africa and Asia who lack access to water. Bombs have been raining on Gaza, which has been under blockade for nearly two years. There is not even a global reaction to end this war. The peace process in Ukraine ended with the United States seizing natural resources.”

Prof. Şeker noted that scientists continue to develop technologies and methods to produce solutions and emphasized that the disruption of the production-consumption balance leads to unhappiness and hunger: “The capitalist system encourages everyone to consume more. But the result is clear: people are unhappy, distressed, and hungry. We must either learn to live with less or choose to live in peace by sharing and building friendships. Otherwise, we will all lose.”

“Environmental and climate change issues are the common concern of all humanity” 
YTÜ Rector Prof. Eyüp Debik expressed pride in hosting a workshop where innovative ideas and projects would be shared. He emphasized that the world is facing numerous dramatic challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water crises, and the depletion of natural resources.

He stated that these issues are directly related to the economy, social justice, security, and sustainable development and said: “Environmental and climate change issues are the common concern of all humanity. We must proceed with this perspective and vision,” adding that YTÜ prioritizes scientific cooperation for a sustainable future.

“Green transformation is a strategic transition for Türkiye”
TÜBA Full Member and Coordinator of the TÜBA Working Group on Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate Change Prof. Mehmet Emin Aydın stated that the climate crisis must be addressed not only from an environmental perspective but also in economic and social dimensions.

He emphasized that the European Union’s Green Deal, which sets the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050, directly impacts Türkiye: “This transformation is necessary not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to remain competitive globally.”

Prof. Aydın highlighted the key role of the circular economy in the green transformation, stating that resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable production systems are the cornerstones of this model.

He emphasized the need for rapid implementation of low-carbon production technologies, especially in energy-intensive sectors like metal, steel, and aluminum: “The use of scrap steel significantly reduces carbon emissions. Solutions such as green hydrogen will become indispensable in industrial production.”

Reminding that Türkiye has taken steps in line with its 2053 net-zero emissions target, Aydın noted that as of 2024, the country’s renewable energy capacity had reached 67.4 GW. He also pointed out the critical importance of the transportation sector in this transformation, emphasizing the support for electric vehicles, railway transportation, and smart mobility systems.

Prof. Aydın stated that carbon pricing mechanisms have become strategic tools not only environmentally but also economically. He underlined the importance of designing Türkiye’s National Emissions Trading System—which will be piloted in 2025 and fully implemented in 2026—in a way that integrates with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. He concluded his speech by stating: “This transformation is not merely a technological issue, but a strategic transition based on scientific foundations. It is essential for the public sector, private sector, academia, and civil society to act toget