Director of Climate Change Prof. Halil Hasar held a series of meetings in Istanbul during his visit for the Zero Waste Forum.
06 June 2026
Director of Climate Change Prof. Halil Hasar held a series of meetings in Istanbul during his visit for the Zero Waste Forum.
Attending the opening program of the three-day festival at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Director Hasar held a bilateral meeting with Lottie Cantle, Deputy Director at the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The high-level talks focused on expanding collaborative opportunities ahead of COP31, specifically targeting methane emission reductions, the zero-waste movement, and the circular economy agenda. The two officials also discussed upcoming high-level events at London Climate Action Week and strategic alignment under the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). During the meeting, Hasar emphasized that Zero Waste, the circular economy, and methane mitigation will be featured as standalone thematic pillars at COP31. He noted that Türkiye is actively implementing frameworks to curb methane emissions from the waste sector, stressing the importance of sustained Ankara-London cooperation on methane reduction throughout the COP31 cycle.
In addition, the UK delegation formally requested Türkiye's high-level participation in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition as a full member, alongside a high-level Turkish presence at the upcoming Super Pollutants Reception during London Climate Action Week.
“Zero Waste Will Be a Priority Agenda Item at COP31”
Director Hasar stated that Zero Waste, methane reduction, resource efficiency, and the utilization of secondary raw materials will be formally addressed during designated thematic days at COP31. He added that these priority issues are also slated for high-level roundtable discussions during the World Leaders Summit.
Reiterating that methane reduction remains a top priority for Türkiye, Hasar noted that intensive efforts are underway to mitigate organic waste-driven methane emissions across landfill sites.
He further highlighted the International Energy Agency (IEA) as one of Türkiye’s core strategic partners, drawing attention to the agency's ongoing global efforts on methane abatement.
“Close Cooperation with Türkiye Is Crucial for Us”
Lottie Cantle, Lottie Cantle, Deputy Director at the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, underscored the vital importance of the UK and Türkiye working in close alignment, expressing her satisfaction with the highly productive nature of the talks with Director of Climate Change Hasar.
Describing London Climate Action Week as an international platform that grows larger every year, Cantle briefed Director Hasar on the Energy Day and Electrification Summit scheduled to take place during the event.
She emphasized that high-level representation from Türkiye at the UK-hosted Super Pollutants Reception carries immense weight, reiterating the UK's strong commitment to partnering closely with Türkiye throughout the COP31 presidency.