Water Scarcity in Turkey and Increasing Risks Due to Climate Crisis

Water Scarcity in Turkey and Increasing Risks Due to Climate Crisis

Nilgün Aytekin // 15.07.2024

As we all come to realize the critical importance of water during these summer days, it is indeed concerning to note the scientific data indicating that a significant portion of Turkey is currently experiencing “extraordinary drought.”

Turkey is among the countries most vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis. We are already witnessing the risk of water scarcity and other adverse impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, declining precipitation, and population growth, in particular, pose severe threats to the sustainability of our water resources. In this article, we will examine the current state of water scarcity in Turkey, the impacts of the climate crisis, and the essential measures that need to be taken.

Water Resources and Current Situation in Turkey

Like other countries located in the Mediterranean Basin expected to be significantly affected by climate change, Turkey is among the countries experiencing water stress in terms of annual water availability per capita. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the per capita water availability is around 1,519 cubic meters, but this amount is expected to decrease to 1,120 cubic meters by 2030. According to reports from the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM), over the last 50 years, the average temperature in Turkey has increased by 1.5°C, and there has been a 20% decrease in precipitation. Scientific studies indicate that during the 2020-2100 period, especially after 2070, average temperatures in Turkey will increase by 2.5-5°C, and the total amount of precipitation will decrease by 10-20%. The efficiency of current and potential water sources supplying Istanbul is expected to decrease by 30%. In Turkey, temperature increases and changes in precipitation patterns directly affect the quantity and quality of water resources.

Causes of Water Scarcity

Increasing Temperatures: Due to global warming, temperatures in Turkey are rising, and evaporation is accelerating. This situation causes water levels in dams and lakes to decrease.

Decreasing Precipitation: Climate change is altering precipitation regimes, making drought periods more frequent and precipitation more irregular.

Population Growth and Urban Development: Turkey’s population is rapidly increasing, and urbanization is raising water demand. As of 2023, Turkey’s population has exceeded 85 million, with a significant portion putting pressure on water resources.

Agriculture and Industry: The agriculture and industry sectors constitute a large part of water consumption. In Turkey, 73% of water is used in agriculture, 16% in industry, and 11% for drinking and domestic use.

What Measures Can We Take?

Water Management: Effective management of water resources and the implementation of policies that promote water conservation are necessary. In this context, it is important to encourage technologies that will reduce water use and prevent water losses.

Alternative Water Sources: The use of alternative water sources such as seawater desalination, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater recycling should be increased.

Education and Awareness: The public should be made aware of water conservation, and awareness campaigns should be organized to protect water resources.

Combating Climate Change: Efforts to combat climate change should include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

Turkey is at a critical juncture regarding water resources. The effects of the climate crisis and increasing water demand are expected to further heighten the risk of water scarcity. Therefore, it is of vital importance to manage water resources sustainably and to combat climate change. Otherwise, the pressure on Turkey’s water resources will increase, leading to severe water scarcity and negative economic impacts on the business world.