Turkey's Education Ministry launches climate‑resilient school reforms

The Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) has unveiled a 2026‑2030 Climate Change Action Plan for schools. The program mandates new infrastructure and procedures to protect students from climate‑related risks and improve health standards.

Key measures include installing air‑quality monitoring systems in schools larger than 10,000 m², deploying digital cold‑chain tracking for cafeteria food safety, and placing high‑filtration water fountains while encouraging reusable steel or glass bottles. Menus will feature salt‑free options for students with specific health needs and shift toward regional, seasonal produce under a Sustainable Menu Management System. A Zero‑Waste Directive will require rain‑water harvesting, grey‑water reuse, and composting facilities on school grounds.

The reforms aim to reduce plastic waste, ensure safe drinking water, lower infection risks, and make schools more resilient to heat waves and droughts, aligning Turkey’s education sector with broader climate‑adaptation goals.