Natural environment

Locals of the Aegean resort island of Gökçeada have become angered due to the submission of an environmental assessment report (ÇED) by an engineering and consultancy company in an application to the Environment Ministry for the construction of a quarry on the island.

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) report that led the way to fish farming on the shores of the western province of İzmir's Seferihisar district has been revoked by the Council of State's (Danıştay) 14th department. 

Human activity has driven animals and plants into decline in every region of the world, putting our own well-being at risk by over-harvesting and polluting, a comprehensive species survey warned on March 23.

About half of the wetlands in Turkey have dried up in the last 40 years, due to a combination of increasing temperatures, drought and excessive abstraction of water for agriculture, according to the Istanbul-based Society for the Protection of Nature (DHKD), a conservation non-governmental organization.

Beijing declared its third major smog alert of 2018, and the second this month, just a day after being named the top performer among 28 Chinese cities that took special measures to rein in pollution.

A police officer was sentenced to two years and one month in jail on March 21 for shooting and killing Ethem Sarısülük during the 2013 Gezi Park protests. The sentence was later converted into a punitive fine. 

The Art Foundation (TAF) is hosting a 10-day event dedicated to the United Nations' 17 sustainable development goals, running through March 25. "It Grows on You" comprises an exhibition, lectures and workshops conducted by professionals in various fields who put environmentally friendly and sustainable practices to use.

The endangered species in some biodiversity-rich regions of the world are almost the half of all species. The analysis refers to the time before 2080 and indicates places such as Amazonia and Madagascar, reports AFP. 

Conservation group WWF and Impact Hub join forces to co-host the annual Saving Food Festival, a family-friendly event aimed at raising awareness about food waste. Environmental experts, chefs and food bloggers, among others, will be conducting talks and workshops on how to start making a difference on the planet by limiting food waste at home. Doors open at 11 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

   A man rides bicycle during a snowfall in Skopje, Macedonia on February 25. Media reports ostate that extreme cold weather is forecast to hit many parts of Europe with temperatures plummeting to a possible ten year low. Photo: EPA-EFE/GEORGI LICOVSKI