Nov 4, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

Türkiye highlights health and cultural dimensions of climate change ahead of COP31

Turkish initiatives highlight the cultural and health dimensions of the climate crisis as Antalya prepares for the upcoming COP31 summit.

As Türkiye prepares to host the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), civil society organizations and local authorities are emphasizing the broader societal impacts of environmental degradation. In Antalya, regional organizers have renovated a traditional home, named "Antalya Evi," with support from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change to showcase local Yörük culture and regional gastronomy during the international summit.

Concurrently, non-governmental organizations are raising awareness about the growing intersection between ecological deterioration and public health. Yuvam Dünya Association emphasized through its Climate Clinic project that the climate crisis increasingly poses severe risks to physical and psychological health, calling for greater healthcare system readiness across Türkiye.

Sources: Anadolu Agency, Cumhuriyet

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EU says national authorities responsible for investigating supermarket attacks

The European Commission confirmed that national authorities are tasked with investigating recent attacks on supermarkets across member states.

The European Commission announced on Tuesday that identifying those responsible for recent attacks on supermarkets falls under the jurisdiction of national authorities. Speaking at a daily press briefing, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed that the executive body remains in direct contact with member states and relevant investigative bodies currently handling the incidents.

Regnier noted that the Commission conducted coordination meetings earlier in the day with an inter-institutional task force as well as member state authorities to address the situation. The Commission continues to monitor developments alongside national law enforcement agencies.

Sources: Anadolu Agency

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Turkic organization's founding chief rejects proposal to include Russia

Founding Secretary General Halil Akıncı has rejected a proposal to include Russia in the Organization of Turkic States following comments by Kazakhstan's president.

The founding Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT), Halil Akıncı, has voiced opposition to incorporating Russia into the bloc following suggestions made during a recent summit in Ankara.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev initially floated the idea of bringing Moscow into the organization. In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that while Russia has received no formal invitation, discussions remain natural given the historical Turkic populations residing within Russian territory.

However, Akıncı publicly rejected the proposal, questioning whether the organization should admit every nation that harbors a Turkic minority. The debate highlights emerging questions regarding the geopolitical direction and membership limits of the regional bloc.

Sources: Cumhuriyet