Today, half of the world population -which is already above 7.2 billion- lives in the cities, according to studies conducted by United Nations, and this urbanization rate will reach 70 percent by 2050. Within only 15 years, urban areas will be doubled and approximately 1.2 billion vehicles will be on the road. World Bank’s data indicates that, the urbanization rate in Turkey-with a population of about 75 million, of which 72 percent currently live in cities-will likely surpass 80 percent by 2030.

The dramatic rise in urban populations, expected both in Turkey and in the World, requires the efficient use of resources that are already under strain. Cities are responsible for 70 percent of the energy-related emissions, and thus contain vast opportunities for solutions. If we are able to direct technological innovation and infrastructure development through resourceful planning and vision, we can make our cities smarter, more sustainable and livable.
Energy Efficiency Improvement Program Action Plan, developed by the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, reveals that Turkey is one of the most energy-dense economies when compared with other developed countries, with energy consumption per unit GDP above the averages of OECD and EU-27 countries. As one of the six components of the Action Plan, energy efficiency in transportation is a critical area for improvements. Expanding public transportation, establishing smart bicycle networks in suitable locations, expanding pedestrianized areas closed to traffic, encouraging the use of vehicles with higher fuel efficiency, alternative fuel technologies and similarly innovative solutions that employ technologic advances are among the ways that cities can decrease energy use.
As part of the Action Plans developed in the EU adaptation process, urban transformation projects that are expected to be completed by 2023 are estimated to cost around 400 billion USD. Sustainable and safe transportation, efficient transportation, and accessible and inclusive transportation are among the five action items determined in the Transportation Sector Operational Plan. In the next seven years, the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance has allocated 440 Million Euros for the implementation of sustainable urban mobility plans in at least ten cities.

2015 presents great opportunities for Turkey to transform cities into more livable and sustainable places. The Annual Livable Cities Symposium, organized each year in November, hosts experts from Turkey and around the world to share best practises. Livable Cities Symposium aims to support decision-makers and implementers from various cities in building more sustainable and livable cities.