Alarko Carrier Measures Climate Literacy in Turkey

The leading brand of the air-conditioning sector, Alarko Carrier held a Climate Literacy Survey in order to measure climate literacy in Turkey and to make plans for future periods in this respect. 

In line with its motto of #İklimBizimİşimiz (We Are the Experts in Climate Issues), Alarko Carrier said that it would initiate information provision activities to raise awareness and understanding on climate change. Having given particular importance to sustainability for long years and standing out with its human- and environmental-friendly products, Alarko Carrier held a comprehensive climate literacy survey. The survey aiming to draw attention to climate awareness in our country and offer solutions on the issue was held by Twentify, making use of the answers given by 1261 subjects representing regional and socio-economic characteristics of Turkey.

We Have A High Level of Awareness on Climate Change, But Lack Technical Knowledge

The survey measuring both knowledge and awareness on climate issues reveals that the society had a significant level of awareness on the origin and resolution methods of the problem in terms of issues having direct impact on the society. A majority of the society lists destruction of forests as the principal factor that resulted in climate change. In addition, it is believed that disasters such as flood and storm are caused by the climate change, resulting in decreased agricultural products. On the other hand, it is observed that the awareness level on more technical concepts such as greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint and climate agreements signed on international level is not sufficient. While 25% of the people living in Turkey have no idea about greenhouse gases, this ratio increases to 37% and 69% about carbon footprint and international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

Great Concern about Climate Change

Participants of the survey were asked questions on their concern about climate change. While 86% of the public is concerned about the impact of climate change on future generations, 87% believes that they will face draught in future. It is believed that infections and epidemics will increase with the depletion of water sources. While concerns are on the rise regarding the increase in fires, elimination of agricultural sources and disruption of the ecosystem, participants state that this will result in a negative impact on economy and tourism. Another interesting fact revealed by the survey is that 73% of the participants stated that they believe that necessary measures were not taken against climate issues. The answers given to the question of “How do you hear about the climate change” were mainly “from TV” and “from social media”.

'Human Factor” is the Most Important Factor'

The survey shows that the biggest factor responsible for climate change is human factor. The main factors resulting in climate change were noted to
include wastes discharged into the sea, gases leaking into the atmosphere from production plants, excessive consumption, unplanned urbanization, and excessive use of substances harming the nature such as plastics, while the participants stated that individual measures that should be taken include increasing green areas, carrying out recycling activities and encouraging the use of recyclable products.

“We Will Continue Our Activities Aiming to Increase Awareness on Climate Change”

Cem Akan, General Manager of Alarko Carrier, talked about climate change having direct impact on our country and our planet, highlighting the importance of awareness and recognition of the issue, saying: “At Alarko Carrier, we tried to measure climate literacy, trying to understand both the level of knowledge on climate issues and how conceptual issues are perceived. Following this survey, we are now starting a set of activities to contribute to climate literacy in line with our motto #İklimBizimİşimiz (We Are the Experts in Climate Issues). We took the first step by obtaining these valuable data. We will launch projects aiming to improve our knowledge on climate issues, while increasing our awareness on the environmental impact of our every single individual or organizational step on the issue. We intend to work in cooperation with local governments and municipalities. We will try to draw attention to the climate crisis both in the social media and on all kinds of platforms where we spend most of our time every day.”

“We Have a Brand New Problem Called Eco-Anxiety”

Stating that a new concept has arisen in terms of the fear caused by the impact of climate change, Cem Akan said: “We now have a brand new
problem called “Eco-Anxiety” in English. The anxiety is gradually increasing as we continue to feel the impact of the climate crisis. The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) upon examination of more than 6,000 scientific researches reveals a very important fact. If greenhouse gas emissions continue rising at their current rates, the global warming will exceed the increase limit of 1.5 °C between 2030 and 2052. This marks a point of no return for the whole planet.”