Report:
The Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) Chamber of Environmental Engineers Istanbul Branch has released the 2023 Istanbul Environmental Status Report. The report focuses on the environmental situation in Istanbul and examines the infrastructure problems and potential environmental damage in the event of an earthquake. The report emphasizes that rather than new construction projects such as Canal Istanbul, Northern Ring Highway, and 3rd Airport, Istanbul needs to focus on preparing its building stock, bridges, viaducts, and infrastructure facilities for earthquakes. It also highlights the need to create areas for storing earthquake-generated waste and to build wastewater treatment facilities to protect the Marmara Sea from pollution. The report warns that the current resource management practices in Istanbul are leading the city towards disaster.
A ROAD OF NO RETURN
The report stresses the importance of scientific and technical planning to manage the potential earthquake in Istanbul before it becomes a disaster. The following findings are included in the report:
– The building stock in Istanbul needs to be renewed and strengthened to prepare for an earthquake. It is necessary to provide adequate personal protective equipment and training for personnel involved in debris removal. Additionally, the number of vehicles and equipment for debris removal should be increased, and alternative routes should be determined.
– Mega projects in Istanbul, particularly in the northern part of the city, are causing ecological destruction by putting pressure on forests, agricultural areas, and water basins. The construction of Canal Istanbul and Yenişehir Reserve Areas Project, insisted upon by the central administration, will lead to irreversible damage for Istanbul.
– Despite a daily water consumption of 182 liters per person in Istanbul, the total dam and water storage capacity, especially on the European side, is insufficient to meet the increasing water needs due to population growth. Measures should be taken to prevent construction around Istanbul’s water basins, reduce network loss and leakage (which was 19.45 percent in 2022 according to İSKİ data), and avoid projects that contribute to population increase.
THE SEA OF MARMARA IS FACING POLLUTION
The absence of mucilage on the surface of the Marmara Sea in 2021 does not imply the elimination of sea pollution. The marine ecosystem of the Marmara Sea is still struggling with domestic and industrial wastewater pollution, which is causing the gradual deterioration of the ecosystem due to the lack of infrastructure for wastewater treatment. The report criticizes the inadequate action plans and inspections that were implemented in response to the mucilage crisis, as well as outdated discharge standards resulting from insufficient infrastructure investments.
Similar to previous years, 2022 has been marked by alarming air quality in Istanbul based on available data, suggesting that the air quality in the city will be poor.
Efforts to prevent waste production should be prioritized, including the development and implementation of projects and policies that aim to change and reduce consumption habits.
To prevent soil pollution in Istanbul, it is crucial to prohibit the conversion of small green areas into settlements or industrial areas. Contaminated soils should be identified, rehabilitated, reused, and sustainably managed.
ESG Risks:
1. Infrastructure vulnerabilities and potential environmental damage in the event of an earthquake.
2. Ecological destruction caused by mega projects in Istanbul.
3. Insufficient water supply and infrastructure for a growing population.
4. Pollution and deterioration of the marine ecosystem in the Marmara Sea.
5. Poor air quality in Istanbul.
6. Waste production and consumption habits contributing to environmental risks.
7. Soil pollution due to the conversion of green areas into settlements and industries.
Vulnerable Groups:
No specific vulnerable groups are mentioned in the provided content.
Organizations:
1. Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) Chamber of Environmental Engineers Istanbul Branch
– Publisher of the 2023 Istanbul Environmental Status Report.
Sectors:
1. Construction and infrastructure development
2. Environmental management and conservation
3. Water and wastewater management
4. Marine and aquatic ecosystems
5. Air quality and pollution control
6. Waste management
Keywords:
Istanbul, environmental status report, earthquake, infrastructure problems, environmental damage, building stock, bridges, viaducts, infrastructure facilities, waste storage, wastewater treatment facilities, resource management, disaster, ecological destruction, mega projects, forests, agricultural areas, water basins, Canal Istanbul, Yenişehir Reserve Areas Project, water consumption, dam, water storage capacity, network loss, leakage, population increase, Marmara Sea, pollution, mucilage, air quality, waste production, consumption habits, soil pollution, green areas, settlements, industries.