A global climate change study from the Washington, D.C.-based Pew Research Center revealed that extreme heat, drought and wars may trigger new migration flows in the 2050s. At least 70 percent of the land where humans live is projected to be submerged, the study said. Conducted in 40 countries, the study showed that Brazil and India are the countries where climate change has concerned most of the population - 86 and 76 percent, respectively. In Turkey, 37 percent of the population considers global climate change a serious issue. Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Bruce Stokes, one of the research experts, said 54 percent of the population in the countries the study conducted sees climate change as a big problem, while 78 percent support restrictions on gas emission. Professor Murat Türkeş of the Boğaziçi University Climate Change Practice and Research Center told AA that Turkey can be adversely affected by climate change with harsh droughts, a decrease in water resources, more forest fires, floods and storms, as well as a higher rise in sea water levels. In the last 25 years, the climate in Turkey has become warmer and experienced significant changes in wind patterns. "In a country like Turkey, which is affected by climate change, it is necessary to conduct a multi-sectoral and disciplined study by taking all measurements into account," Türkeş said, criticizing that the current efforts are not enough to solve the problem, as both countries and individuals must take more action.
