By Abbas Nazil
Climate change has emerged as a major public health threat in Türkiye, with health authorities warning that rising temperatures, prolonged drought, changing rainfall patterns and increasingly frequent extreme weather events are placing millions of people at greater risk, particularly vulnerable groups.
According to a report by Türkiye Today, the Director General of Public Health at the country’s Health Ministry, Erdogan Oz, said climate change should no longer be viewed solely as an environmental issue because of its growing impact on human health across the country.
Oz explained that infants, children, older adults, pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding mothers, people living with chronic illnesses, individuals who rely on regular medication and outdoor workers are among those most vulnerable to the health effects associated with climate change.
He noted that increasing temperatures and recurring heatwaves are threatening water and food safety, worsening air pollution and contributing to mental health challenges, thereby expanding the burden on the country’s healthcare system.
According to him, although climate change affects everyone, its consequences are more severe for populations that are already vulnerable because of age, health status or occupational exposure.
He encouraged residents to pay close attention to weather forecasts and official advisories issued by the Health Ministry in order to reduce their exposure to climate-related health risks.
Oz disclosed that the ministry has intensified surveillance of threats to water and food safety through continuous monitoring supported by early warning and public health surveillance systems designed to detect potential risks before they escalate.
He said these interventions form part of Türkiye’s Climate Change and Health Action Plan, which has been regularly updated since the country’s Climate Law came into force in 2025.
According to him, the revised strategy is aimed at building a climate-resilient and low-carbon healthcare system while incorporating scientific recommendations provided by a national advisory board.
Oz also revealed that the ministry has adopted artificial intelligence to strengthen its response to the health impacts of climate change.
He explained that AI-supported systems analyse environmental data, including temperature changes, rainfall patterns, drought conditions and extreme weather information obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change alongside national health records.
According to him, the technology enables authorities to identify potential health threats in advance, assess risks at both national and provincial levels and compare domestic findings with international data to improve decision-making and preparedness.
Looking ahead, Oz said health issues will feature prominently during the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, which Türkiye is expected to host.
He said discussions at the conference will focus on strengthening health systems against climate-related impacts, promoting international cooperation and improving preparedness for extreme weather events through the use of early warning mechanisms.
The health official added that the ministry will continue updating its action plans to tackle emerging risks affecting water and food safety as well as diseases that may disproportionately affect vulnerable populations under changing climatic conditions.
As temperatures continue to rise, Oz advised members of the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s intensity is at its peak.
He recommended that individuals who must be outdoors remain in shaded areas and protect themselves by wearing hats and sunglasses.
He further warned that children, infants and pets should never be left inside parked vehicles during hot weather because of the risk of life-threatening heat exposure.
Oz also advised against swimming during the hottest hours of the day and urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, weakness, excessive sweating, confusion or fainting to seek immediate medical attention.
