EMU Urban Research and Development Center (URDC) Director Prof.Dr. Şebnem Hoşkara’s statement about Earth Day 2024

April 22 is Earth Day, first organized in the United States (USA) 1970 as an awareness day. It was suggested by activist John McConnell and organized by environmentalist Denis Hayes, who is known for his efforts to popularize the use of solar energy.

Due to increasing global environmental problems and natural disasters, Earth Day, which has transcended the USA and turned into an internationally celebrated day in more than 200 countries since 1990, is organized by the Washington-based Earth Day Network. Earth Day is a 'global call' to draw attention to issues such as environmental pollution and climate crisis. Celebrated every year on April 22 with various events, it reminds all humanity of the importance of protecting the environment and sustainability. It encourages us to unite and take action for a healthier planet and a brighter future.

The theme of Earth Day 2024 has been determined as 'Planet vs. Plastics.' This is not just a theme but a call to action. It demands that all plastic production be reduced by 60% by 2040, with the aim of ending plastics for the sake of human and planetary health. The urgency of this call cannot be overstated. Plastics threaten humanity and all living things and disrupt the delicate balance of life on Earth. Every step taken to phase out all single-use plastics quickly is valuable.

Considering these views, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Urban Research and Development Center (KENT-AG) is starting a campaign to reduce the use of plastic on the EMU campus on Earth Day, April 22, 2024, to contribute to building a 'plastic-free world.'

We sincerely appreciate your potential support in this endeavor. We invite all campus users to contribute to beautifying the world and our campus and leaving the world a more livable place for future generations by supporting this call. At the same time, we call on the EMU Administration to make decisions and produce policies that support these issues while planning the future of EMU.