Turkish artists and athletes at COP31 called for climate action and shared responsibility, with one describing daily effects and another urging protection of natural resources, Anadolu Agency reported Wednesday.
The group met at the Türkiye Pavilion in the summit’s Blue Zone in Antalya. Speakers also welcomed Türkiye’s role as host, AA reported. The agency said the group’s broader appeal was for everyone to take responsibility and put climate decisions into action for future generations.
National athlete Sahika Ercumen said she spends much of her life at sea and encounters large amounts of waste there every day. Actor and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Tuba Buyukustun said climate decisions must be put into practice with children’s future in mind.
Actor Demet Sener said climate change was already affecting daily life and called for an urgent response. Ceyda Ates urged protection of forests, seas and water resources, while Serkan Altunorak described climate change as a shared problem and said everyone has responsibilities, AA reported.
Baris Arduc invoked the Paris Climate Summit, saying the focus should shift from talk to action, according to AA.
The U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) lists COP31’s dates as Nov. 9-20.
