EdTech Insight – Türkiye’s sustainability transformation: The net-zero opportunity

by | May 28, 2024 | McKinsey, News & Insights

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Executive Summary and Main Points

Türkiye has embarked on a path to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2053, aligning with global sustainability efforts. As the country moves towards decarbonization, it faces challenges, but also enjoys ripe economic opportunities. This transition involves transformation across seven key sectors of the economy, with emphasis on renewable energy, electrification, carbon capture, and waste management. Türkiye would also need to invest about 7 percent of GDP in diverse initiatives to meet the net-zero goal. Key actions include enhancing the share of renewables in energy production, implementing nature-based solutions for carbon offsetting, and advancing green technologies.

Potential Impact in the Education Sector

The shift towards net-zero emissions can profoundly affect the education sector, with an increased emphasis on sustainability and clean energy. Further Education institutions can integrate decarbonization content into curricula, preparing students for emerging jobs in the green sector. Higher Education can play a pivotal role in research and development of new sustainable technologies. Moreover, Micro-credentials can offer agile re-skilling options for the workforce to adapt to the green economy, with strategic partnerships and digitalization enhancing the education sector’s alignment with sustainability goals.

Potential Applicability in the Education Sector

Innovative applications in the education sector could include AI-driven research for sustainability, development of digital tools that aid in the understanding of decarbonization strategies, and the creation of virtual labs to simulate and analyze renewable energy systems. Education systems worldwide can leverage these advancements to enhance their learning environments and incorporate hands-on platforms for teaching the principles and practices of a net-zero economy.

Criticism and Potential Shortfalls

The road to decarbonization may come with criticisms and shortfalls, notably the cost of technological adoption and the potential socio-economic implications of a rapid transition. There is also the risk of inequity in resource distribution, posing challenges to less economically stable regions. International case studies illustrate varying degrees of success, indicating the need for careful adaptation to local contexts. Ethical and cultural considerations must also be taken into account, ensuring that any technological and educational advancements are accessible and beneficial to all.

Actionable Recommendations

To leverage technology in pursuit of net-zero goals, education leaders should consider integrating sustainability and climate change into curricula. Collaborative projects between educational institutions and industry can bridge the skill gap in green jobs, while investment in R&D can foster innovations in clean energy and sustainability. Furthermore, international partnerships can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, strengthening global education systems’ capacity to support the green transition.

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Source article: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/turkiyes-sustainability-transformation-the-net-zero-opportunity