Evaluation of urban infrastructure policies in Turkey for climate resilience and adaptation

Figures & data

Figure 1. Conceptual method flowchart.

Table 1. Effects of climate change in seven geographical regions of Turkey (Birpınar & Tuğaç, 2021; MGM, 2022; MoEUCC, 2021).

Location	Regions	Findings
	The Aegean Region	The region has a Mediterranean climate and the main problem is water stress. Consecutive dry days are increasing. Floods due to short-term, sudden, and heavy rains are the most common disaster type in this region. It is a priority to protect the region’s rich underground water resources from the effects of sea level rise.
	The Black Sea Region	This region receives the most precipitation in Turkey and there is precipitation in all seasons, causing floods, overflows, and landslides. GI solutions such as permeable surface coatings and the conversion of riverbeds to their natural state can play a key role.
	The Central Anatolia Region	This region receives the least rainfall and is a closed basin. Consecutive dry days and sinkhole formations are increasing. The most common disaster type in the region is storms. Short-term heavy rain causes floods and occurs in all months together with storms. Rainwater harvesting is important in the region.
	The Eastern Anatolia Region	Storms are the most common disaster type in this mountainous region, which has the highest altitude. While an increase in sudden and heavy rains is expected, it is predicted that there will be long periods without precipitation. Drought and floods will become problems for the region. Considering the high avalanche risk, infrastructure solutions including climate resilient and permeable ground cover become important.
	The Marmara Region	Temperatures and precipitation irregularities are gradually increasing. Floods, overflows, and storms are seen almost every month of the year. Hybrid infrastructure solutions (green–blue–grey) should be urgently addressed to provide resilience to flooding.
	The Mediterranean Region	The most common disaster type is storms. A decrease in annual precipitation and an increase in short-term sudden precipitation are expected. This can lead to flooding. The decrease in annual precipitation has made rainwater harvesting and the protection of wetlands increasingly important.
	The South-Eastern Anatolia Region	High temperatures bring about severe evaporation. This leads to drought and desertification. Sudden and short-term heavy rains cause floods. Rainwater harvesting is a key requirement.

Birpınar, M. E., & Tuğaç, C. (2021, September). Water management with green infrastructures in ensuring sustainability of Turkish cities. In P. Gastescuve & P. Bretcan (Eds.) Proceedings of the 5th international hybrid conference water resources and wetlands (pp. 144–157). Romania: WRW.

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MGM. (2022). Türkiye meteorolojik afetler değerlendirmesi (2010-2021) [Turkey meteorological disasters evaluation (2010-2021)]. Retrieved from MGM website: https://www.mgm.gov.tr/FILES/genel/raporlar/meteorolojikafetler2010-2021.pdf

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MoEUCC. (2021). Regional climate change action plans.

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