Glacier retreat threatens global water supplies, Turkish minister warns at COP31

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Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli says Türkiye has begun implementing its National Water Plan for 2026-2035 to improve water efficiency and strengthen climate preparedness.

The climate crisis could reduce water resources by around a quarter in some vulnerable regions by the end of the century, Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli has warned, urging greater investment in climate adaptation and water management.

Speaking at the COP31 UN climate summit in Türkiye's southern province of Antalya on Thursday, Yumakli said rising temperatures and increased evaporation could have severe consequences for the country's water supplies, agricultural production and food security.

“Our approach is clear: We must manage risks in advance rather than respond to crises,” he said.

Yumakli was addressing a high-level meeting on glacier protection, climate resilience and sustainable financing at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).

The meeting brought together senior officials from several countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia and Lesotho, as well as Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda.

Yumakli stressed that the future of glaciers was not only a concern for mountainous regions but also directly affected the livelihoods of millions of people.

He warned that rising global temperatures could have long-lasting and, in some cases, irreversible effects on glaciers and other parts of the cryosphere, which encompasses Earth's frozen components, including snow, ice and permafrost.

Snow and ice reserves in mountainous regions play a vital role in regulating river flows, ensuring seasonal water availability and supporting agriculture and ecosystems, he added.

Yumakli said Türkiye's location in the Mediterranean Basin made it particularly vulnerable to the climate crisis.

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