The "Climate-Resilient and Water-Sensitive City Vision" conference, featuring Prof. Dr. İzzet Öztürk from Istanbul Technical University as the speaker, was held on May 6, 2025, in the Cemil Meriç Hall of the Central Library, organized by Kastamonu University as part of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) University Conferences.
The event was attended by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Istanbul Technical University faculty member, Prof. Dr. İzzet Öztürk, Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, representatives from public institutions, our academics, and a large number of our students. After the opening, Prof. Dr. İzzet Öztürk took the podium and provided information about our country's water resources and the future water issues we will face.At the event, topics such as how cities can become more resilient to climate change and the sustainable management of water resources were discussed.
Water Resources and Future Threats
Prof. Dr. Öztürk provided information about the water stress that will be experienced in the different water basins in our country in the coming years.He pointed out that the water and water resources in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Southeastern basins located in the southern part of the country would decrease by approximately 30% by 2040 and stated that climate and water usage would affect this rate. Prof. Dr. Öztürk, stating that the water basins in the Black Sea region are more fortunate due to the rainy climate, said that this rate would be around 15-20%. He emphasized that the water stress experienced would make water management important in the future. Stating that the Kastamonu region has experienced drought for four consecutive years, Prof. Dr. Öztürk emphasized that climate change could lead to serious problems in the coming years.
Istanbul's Water Management and Sustainability
Stating that the strategies that will shape the cities of the future are being addressed from a scientific perspective, Prof. Dr. Öztürk made statements regarding Istanbul's water plan. Pointing out that evaporation from water sources in Istanbul is less than in the south, he emphasized that water sources, which are decreasing due to excessive use, should be used sparingly in densely populated cities, especially Istanbul.
Water Purification and Recycling Practices
He emphasized the importance of water management not only in Istanbul but also in many other cities. Prof. Dr. Öztürk, stating that vital issues such as the global climate crisis and the sustainability of water resources are now common concerns for all of humanity, not just environmental engineers, emphasized that water loss should be minimized in household taps and sinks by using eco-friendly products. Pointing out that 20% of domestic water waste is black water and 80% is recyclable water, Prof. Dr. Öztürk stated that the water from wastewater treatment plants in cities is very well treated. Stating that the treated water could be used in agricultural irrigation or industry instead of being discharged into the sea or rivers, Prof. Dr. Öztürk expressed that the highly treated water could be used in different networks for household toilets or landscape irrigation. Pointing out that in many countries around the world, treated water is used in various ways, Prof. Dr. Öztürk emphasized the need to spread this water management awareness in our country as well.
Collection and Use of Rainwater
Emphasizing the need to adopt a climate-resilient, water-sensitive urbanism approach and to make investments in this direction, Prof. Dr. Öztürk highlighted the importance of collecting rainwater and using it to meet the city's needs.He emphasized that city plans should be created to prevent flooding in cities. Emphasizing that more livable cities can be created by properly collecting and utilizing existing rainwater with the prepared plans, Prof. Dr. Öztürk stated that in urban planning, plans should be developed to intelligently use water at every point of the landscape.
The Role of Master Plans in Water Management and Urban Planning
Highlighting the importance of master plans in water management and urban planning, Prof. Dr. Öztürk stated that the master plans implemented for Istanbul in the 1990s were highly successful, attributing this success to the coordinated efforts of many state institutions.
Water Management in Small Settlements
Emphasizing the need for planning sewage and water management in the supply of water in small towns and villages, Prof. Dr. Öztürk pointed out that these efforts are important in preventing epidemic diseases and protecting public health in small settlements.
The conference concluded with a gift presentation to Prof. Dr. İzzet Öztürk by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, and a photo session after the question and answer session.
