Analyzing Climate Security Perceptions in Türkiye: Toward a Just Securization of Climate Change

Executive Summary 

This report investigates climate security percep- tions in Türkiye, focusing on the potential for a just securitization of climate change. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to capture the views of both the general public and members of parliament (MPs). 

KEY FINDINGS 

1. Consensus on Climate Change as a Security Threat 

• Both the general public and MPs overwhelm- ingly recognize climate change as a critical security threat. 

• Human beings and the planet are prioritized as the primary referent objects of climate security, reflecting both anthropocentric and ecocentric perspectives.

 • Water and food security are particularly prior- itized by both audiences, emphasizing the critical need to address these fundamental resources as part of climate security strategies. This focus reflects the immediate and tangible threats posed by climate change to essential human needs and livelihoods. Following this, attention shifts toward heightened sensitivity to extreme climate events, reflecting growing awareness of their devastating impacts on communities and ecosystems. 2. Perceptions of Türkiye’s Climate Efforts 

• A significant majority of the public believes that Türkiye is not doing enough to combat climate change. 

• Opposition party members emphasize that the government’s efforts are not sufficient, while governing party members acknowledge that Türkiye has made significant progress but agree that more needs to be done. 3. Politics of Climate Change in Türkiye 

• There is a political divide regarding Türkiye’s potential to lead in global climate initiatives. Opposition MPs express skepticism about the current government’s capacity, while governing party MPs are optimistic about Türkiye’s leadership role, particularly for the developing world. However, both groups argue that Türkiye should adopt such a role. • Most MPs are optimistic about cooperation on climate action but they are skeptical about the cooperation for climate change softening internal political relations, recognizing the complexities of domestic politics that may hinder further collaboration on other issues.

 • While governing party MPs view climate change as transcending politics, about half of the opposition MPs agree. This perspective could foster collaboration among government and opposition parties. 4. Potential for Just Securitization

 • The concept of just securitization is proposed as a framework to advance Türkiye’s climate agenda, emphasizing ethical principles and balanced responses

. • This study suggests that aligning climate poli- cies with public and parliamentary perceptions can facilitate both just and effective climate ANALYZING CLIMATE SECURITY PERCEPTIONS IN TÜRKİYE: TOWARD A JUST SECURITIZATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE 3 5. Policy Recommendations

 • Emphasize climate change as a security threat to human beings and the planet/ecosystems.

 • Highlight water and food security and focus on agricultural impacts.

 • Foster collaborative language and maintain open political debate to avoid the dangers of securitization, such as militarization and emer- gency responses. 

• Enhance Türkiye’s active participation in global environmental politics by advocating for equi- table solutions and representing the interests of developing countries, ensuring their needs and perspectives are prioritized in international climate discussions. The report concludes that Türkiye is well-posi- tioned for significant climate action. By aligning discourse with existing perceptions and ensuring balanced and sincere responses, Türkiye can effectively address climate change while main- taining democratic processes and public trust. The study offers valuable insights and policy recom- mendations for Turkish policymakers to navigate the complex challenges posed by climate change.