INTERNATIONAL ESKİŞEHİR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT SYMPOSIUM COMMENCES

The first day of the International Eskişehir Climate Change and Environment Symposium, organized by Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, was successfully held. Delivering the opening remarks, Mayor of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Ayşe Ünlüce emphasized that combating climate change is a shared responsibility of all institutions, stating, "The climate crisis is not an issue that countries, cities, or institutions can solve on their own. It requires international cooperation."

Organized with the aim of raising awareness of the global climate crisis, strengthening scientific knowledge exchange, and fostering international cooperation, the symposium began with its first-day programme. Hosted by Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, the event was held at the Genco Erkal Stage in the Historic Odunpazarı District with broad participation. Bringing together academics, representatives of local governments, international organizations, professional chambers, non-governmental organizations, and experts working in the field of environmental studies, the symposium served as an important platform for discussing solutions to the climate crisis.

In her opening speech, Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce highlighted that climate change is no longer one of the challenges of the future but one of the most pressing issues of today. She underlined the responsibilities undertaken by local governments in addressing this challenge and stated that the municipality would continue to work resolutely towards developing sustainable urban policies and expanding environmentally friendly practices.

Mayor Ünlüce said: "The story that brought us together here today actually began during a visit to our sister city, Lansing. When we travelled to the United States to sign the sister city protocol, we had the opportunity to meet with our esteemed academic, Prof. Dr. Bora Çetin, who serves at Michigan State University. Upon learning that we had come from Eskişehir, he welcomed us with great enthusiasm and once again demonstrated his strong ties to our city. One of the most important topics we discussed that day was the climate crisis.

One of the greatest challenges facing our world today is the climate crisis. The commitment of our professor, who has been conducting research in the United States for many years, and his sincere question, 'What can I do for Eskişehir?', laid the foundation for the symposium we are holding today. Later, together with distinguished academics from our universities and from various countries around the world, we brought this event to life in order to address the climate crisis--one of the most critical issues facing both our country and the world--in a comprehensive manner.

The fact that the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) will be hosted by Türkiye this year makes this symposium even more meaningful. I believe that the views and recommendations put forward by the distinguished scientists gathered here today will contribute to the COP31 process and yield important outcomes for both our city and our country. Of course, the climate crisis is not an issue that countries, cities, or institutions can solve on their own. It requires international cooperation. Therefore, I consider today's gathering extremely valuable. I wish our symposium every success and hope that it will be productive for all participants. Once again, welcome."

Following Mayor Ünlüce's address, Prof. Dr. Douglas K. Hartman, a globally recognized scholar in educational technologies and literacy and a faculty member in the Department of Technology and Human Learning within the College of Education at Michigan State University, delivered a speech to participants. Hartman emphasized that the climate crisis is not only an environmental issue but also one with educational and societal dimensions, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Following the speeches, Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce expressed her satisfaction at Eskişehir hosting such an important international event and presented plaques of appreciation to participants who contributed to the symposium.

The first day of the symposium continued with the session entitled "From Complex Problems to Realistic Solutions: Climate Resilience Across Systems and Sectors." Moderated by Prof. Dr. Volodymyr V. Tarabara, the session featured presentations by Prof. Dr. Bora Çetin, Prof. Dr. Kristen Çetin, and Prof. Dr. Douglas K. Hartman. Discussions focused on developing climate-resilient systems, strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation, and identifying sustainable solution models to address climate change.

Throughout the two-day symposium, current topics including climate change, environmental sustainability, energy transition, water and waste management, biodiversity, wetland ecosystems, climate governance, and urban climate resilience will be comprehensively examined.

The symposium will also provide a platform for experts from different countries to share their scientific research and discuss the latest developments in the fields of environment and climate. Successful practices implemented at both local and international levels will be presented to participants. Sessions will explore the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the climate crisis, while also addressing policy recommendations related to sustainable cities, energy efficiency, the conservation of natural resources, and climate adaptation.