News: Amine Yağmur Göz – Senanur Akat
The sixth guest of the “Media Arena” interview series organized by the Media Center of Istinye University’s Faculty of Communication, was Bünyamin Sürmeli, one of Turkey's leading meteorology experts. Meeting with young communicators, Sürmeli discussed not only the weather but also the changing climate patterns of the world, the effects of the climate crisis, and the vision of sustainability. The interview was moderated by Dr. Özgenur Reyhan Güler.
From Climate Change to Climate Crisis
At the beginning of his talk, Sürmeli explained the difference between climate change and the climate crisis, stating that climate change is a phenomenon occurring within nature's own cycles, while the climate crisis describes humanity's response and the degree of impact. “Every living being in nature is trying to adapt to changing conditions. We humans are also part of this process, but we are not aware of it,” he said.
The Foundation of Sustainability: Efficiency
One of the most critical concepts emphasized by Sürmeli was efficiency. He pointed out that the waste of resources such as energy, agriculture, and water threatens sustainability. “Today, we lose 60% of the electricity we produce. We produce, but we do not use it efficiently. This is not just a resource issue; it’s a planning issue.” He also mentioned the differences in efficiency in agriculture, stating that the results obtained in different countries from the same soil are comparable and that this data reveals systemic problems.
“We Do Not Live as Individuals”
While discussing the role of individuals in the climate crisis, Sürmeli used a striking expression: “Now, one person does not live as an individual.” Highlighting the culture of overconsumption, Sürmeli stressed that personal lifestyle habits also affect the future of the climate. He called for personal responsibility in various areas, from forgotten clothes in wardrobes to unnecessary energy consumption.
Sürmeli emphasized that individuals need to develop awareness about their carbon footprint. However, he noted that this should not be merely a symbolic calculation. “Know what you consume and why you consume it. Question every day what kind of mark you will leave on this world.” He stated that individual measures should not be limited to reducing plastic consumption but should also involve questioning consumption habits and making simplicity a way of life.
2050 Projection: Time is Running Out
One of the most striking parts of the talk was the predictions for the year 2050. Bünyamin Sürmeli indicated that some scientific data has occurred much faster than expected.
“The thawing of permafrost soils was expected in the 2070s, but it started in the 2020s. This shows that time is no longer working in our favor.”
He expressed that by 2050, “dead hot regions” could emerge and some areas may become unsuitable for human life, adding that the main crisis topics in the future will be water, energy, and food.
Collective Responsibility: From Individuals to the State
Throughout the event, attention was drawn not only to individual responsibilities but also to institutional and political responsibilities. Sürmeli stated that climate laws should not just be a commitment on paper but must be a viable and monitorable system. “The 2053 zero-emission target is very valuable, but everyone needs to know what steps we will take to achieve this target. As young people, you should question and guide this process,” he said.
After the interview, Bünyamin Sürmeli was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Prof. Dr. Hatice Öz Pektaş, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Istinye University, Dr. Özgenur Reyhan Güler, and Dr. Tugay Sarıkaya, Head of the Media Center, for his contributions. The event concluded with great interest and active participation from students. Young communicators left the hall with a more conscious and sensitive perspective regarding the climate crisis.
The “Media Arena” interview series, which brings societal issues to the forefront, will continue to host inspiring figures for media and communication students in the coming weeks.
