The Afyon Kocatepe University (AKU) Science Communication Coordination Office organized a Science Café talk titled “One Planet, Shared Future: The Struggle for Climate Adaptation.”
The event, held at the Rıza Çerçel Culture and Arts Center Conference Hall, was attended by AKU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Peker, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (FEAS) Prof. Dr. Gökhan Demirtaş, scholars, academic and administrative staff, students, and science enthusiasts. In her opening remarks, Science Communication Coordinator Dr. Şerife Özgün Çıtak stated that the aim of the Science Café events is to make scientific knowledge accessible to all segments of society by presenting complex scientific language in a clear and understandable format.
“Our Science Café events are also held in the districts.”
Serving as moderator, AKU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Peker emphasized that the establishment of Science Communication Offices and Coordinatorships by the Council of Higher Education aims to ensure that scientific knowledge produced by researchers reaches not only academics but the broader public. Highlighting the mission of conveying scientific knowledge to society, Peker noted that this was the third Science Café event and that such activities are conducted not only in centrally located venues but also in surrounding districts.
“The goal is to leave a livable world for future generations.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Volkan Göçoğlu, faculty member in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at AKU FEAS, explained that their analysis was conducted through the lens of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13). Aiming for an interactive session, Göçoğlu said, “Our analysis includes sectoral comparisons, but to avoid overwhelming participants with technical details, we focus primarily on differences between country groups.” He emphasized that sustainable development seeks to ensure that ongoing development activities do not compromise the ability of future generations to enjoy a livable world. Göçoğlu added that their discussion addressed unequal climate vulnerability across countries and the varying impacts of climate change depending on national circumstances.
“Climate change mitigation is on every country’s agenda.”
Research Assistant Dr. Atahan Demirkol of the same department noted that sustainable development has been a top priority of the United Nations since 2015. Drawing attention to the strategic goals set to advance a common future, Demirkol stated, “While climate change mitigation is on the agenda of all countries, categorizing vulnerable states helps us better understand how they are affected by climate risks and how they develop strategies to cope with these challenges.”
Demirkol explained that they examined countries in three groups—Developing Countries, Least Developed Countries, and Island States—due to their differing dynamics in combating the climate crisis:
“Developing countries are caught between the pressure for economic growth and the need to combat climate change. Least developed countries, despite contributing the least to carbon emissions, are among the most affected due to inadequate infrastructure and economic constraints. Island states, by virtue of their geography, are the most vulnerable group—rising sea levels, lack of land borders, and increases in extreme temperatures and rainfall make them highly susceptible to climate impacts.”
“Reducing vulnerability is the primary objective.”
Research Assistant Durukan Ayan explained that National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) serve as long-term roadmaps for addressing the impacts of climate change. He noted that countries primarily aim to reduce vulnerability through these plans, followed by integrating adaptation policies into development plans, sectoral strategies, and national budgets.
“Protect Today, Plan Tomorrow”
Ayan highlighted that the goals set under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change constitute the official objectives of the NAP process. “The idea of NAPs initially emerged in 2010 within the adaptation framework. The process began with the preparation of adaptation plans using a common structure. National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), which evolved from the earlier National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs), differ in that while NAPAs addressed urgent and immediate needs in least developed countries, NAPs focus on medium- and long-term planning across the three country groups we identified,” he explained. Ayan added that NAPs are prepared with the guiding principle of “Protect Today, Plan Tomorrow,” emphasizing that these plans integrate adaptation measures into a wide range of policy areas—from health and water to urbanization, agriculture, and livestock. “The purpose of these plans is to reduce vulnerability and place adaptation at the center of sustainable development,” he said.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the speakers by AKU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Peker.
