Sevda Erdan Kılıç, Member of Parliament from the DEM Party, answered our questions.

1. How do you evaluate the long-term impacts of climate change on Türkiye and the world?

Climate change has become a multidimensional and devastating threat on a global scale. Speaking specifically about Türkiye, I can say that these impacts will be even more dramatic. Being located in the Mediterranean basin, we are in one of the regions most affected by the climate crisis. From an agricultural perspective, yield losses could reach up to 50% within the next 30-40 years. The cultivation areas for strategic crops such as wheat, cotton, and olives will begin to shrink significantly. Particularly in the Southeastern and Central Anatolian regions, drought will become so severe that agricultural production will be nearly impossible.

The situation is even more alarming regarding water resources. By 2050, Türkiye will become a water-scarce country. Reservoir levels will decrease, and underground water resources will deplete rapidly. The water scarcity we are already experiencing will become even more critical in the coming period. We must also address the impact on biodiversity. Around 30-40% of endemic species in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions face the risk of extinction. Forest fires and desertification will accelerate this process.

On the socio-economic front, internal and external migration movements will begin. Reduced agricultural production and drying water resources will force people to leave their regions. This could lead to serious social tensions in major cities. We must also consider the health dimension. Heatwaves, emerging diseases, and threats to food security will directly affect public health.

On a global scale, these effects will result in even greater devastation. Coastal cities will be submerged, agricultural lands will turn into deserts, and millions of people will lose their habitats. For this reason, climate change is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a global struggle for existence.

2. What are the primary goals of your political party in combating climate change?

As the CHP, we view the climate crisis as an urgent matter of national security and development. Our core strategy is to implement a rapid and comprehensive green transformation. First and foremost, we aim to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. By increasing investments in solar and wind energy, we aim to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, our priorities include implementing a zero-carbon emission policy, supporting sustainable agricultural models, and investing in green technologies.

At the same time, we emphasize the importance of achieving this transformation without compromising social justice, creating green employment opportunities, and protecting disadvantaged groups. Combating climate change is no longer an option; it is an imperative.

Who is Sevda Erdan Kılıç?

Eskişehir – 1980, Muharrem, Seval.

Lawyer; completed primary and secondary education in Eskişehir. Graduated from Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Law and earned a master's degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Kastamonu University. Began working as an independent attorney in 2002.

Held various positions within the Republican People's Party (CHP), including District Youth Branch Executive, Provincial Youth Branch Chair, Member of the Provincial Disciplinary Board, Deputy Provincial Chair responsible for Elections, Law, and Youth Branches, and Izmir Provincial Secretary. Served on CHP’s Provincial and District Legal Commissions, eventually becoming the Chair of the Provincial Legal Commission. Elected as a Party Assembly Member at the 35th and 36th Ordinary Congresses.

Elected as a Member of Parliament for Izmir in the 27th Term. Served on the State Economic Enterprises Commission, the Human Rights Inquiry Committee, and the Subcommittee on the Rights of Convicts and Detainees. Took part in parliamentary investigation commissions on the suspicious deaths of children, including Rabia Naz Vatan, as well as on earthquake preparedness and risk mitigation. Also served on CHP’s Earthquake Technical Commission and Earthquake Law Commission.

Served as a Clerk Member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Presidential Council.

Erdan Kılıç speaks intermediate-level English, is married, and has one child.