Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action
At Near East University, we are deeply committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations, research, and education. As part of our responsibility towards addressing climate change, we are actively working to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to the global goals of reducing carbon emissions. Our climate action efforts are aligned with our broader vision of creating a more sustainable future for our students, staff, and the communities we serve. This includes a clear focus on carbon emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and the implementation of strategies that promote a low-carbon economy.
What is SDG 13?
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 is dedicated to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The United Nations aims to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. The objective of SDG 13 is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience against the effects of climate change, and promote international cooperation to tackle this global challenge.
The United Nations’ Objective
The United Nations envisions a world where measures are taken to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build resilience against its impacts. SDG 13 emphasizes the need for immediate and sustained actions to mitigate climate change, adapt to its effects, and promote global collaboration to address this challenge.
Near East University's Commitment
Our university is deeply committed to the principles of SDG 13. We recognize the urgency of addressing climate change and the role of education, research, and advocacy in promoting sustainable solutions. Our academic community actively engages in initiatives that raise awareness about climate change, conduct research on sustainable practices, and advocate for policies that contribute to climate action.
We have already started tracking key environmental indicators such as electricity consumption (15,110,988 kWh) and water usage (559 m³) for the year 2024, with verified records. These data form the foundation for future Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions calculations.
Additionally, Near East University has implemented solar panels to generate clean energy and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We also recycle water on campus, further contributing to our commitment to sustainability and resource conservation.
As part of Near East University's institutional sustainability strategy, we commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by developing a structured carbon reporting system aligned with the GHG Protocol and other recognised standards.
Contributions of Universities to SDG 13
Universities play a crucial role in achieving SDG 13 by conducting research on climate change, promoting sustainable practices, and educating the next generation of leaders on the importance of climate action. Our university actively collaborates with environmental organizations, government bodies, and industry partners to develop and implement strategies for reducing our carbon footprint. By empowering individuals with knowledge and fostering a culture of sustainability, we contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.
How You Can Contribute
As a member of our university community, you can contribute to SDG 13 by adopting sustainable practices, participating in climate action projects, and advocating for environmentally friendly policies. Together, we can create a university environment that actively works towards a world with effective climate action, mitigating the impacts of climate change.