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BulgariaFossil fuels cause 52% of fine-particle air pollution in Türkiye
A report by the Energy and Clean Air Research Center (CREA) and the Clean Air Right Platform (THHP) finds that fossil fuels cause 52% of air pollution from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Türkiye, leading to about 26,500 premature deaths a year. The report was presented at a press conference on 22 October 2026.
The report links this pollution to deaths from heart and vascular disease, respiratory illness, lung cancer, stroke and diabetes. It also estimates about 8.5 million lost working days each year. The annual economic cost is put at about $55 billion, or 4.1% of 2024 gross domestic product. In 2024, coal generated 35% of Türkiye's electricity and natural gas 19%.
THHP Coordinator Deniz Gümüşel called for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. Dr. Ümit Şahin of the Sabancı University Istanbul Policy Center said Türkiye's hosting of COP31 carries responsibility for climate leadership, and that the share of renewable energy must grow while fossil fuel use is reduced.
This story was automatically summarised and translated from Anadolu Ajansı. All rights to the story belong to its source.
