Climate summits face criticism in Turkey over economic and health concerns

The Zafer Party has expressed opposition to an upcoming climate summit scheduled for October 17 in Zonguldak, Turkey. Party official Oğuzhan Turhan argued that the city's economic future is tied to mining, production, and energy security, and that environmental protection should not be presented as an alternative to these industries. Turhan also raised concerns regarding the background of speaker Eylem Tuncaelli, citing past legal investigations.

Separately, the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has issued a call for participation in the ‘Peoples’ Climate Summit,’ to be held in Antalya from November 14–18, 2026. The TTB stated that the climate crisis poses a direct threat to human health through rising temperatures, extreme weather, and food insecurity. The association positioned this summit as an alternative to UN-led COP meetings, which they criticized for failing to make binding decisions regarding fossil fuels.