BERGAMA ENVIRONMENTAL FILMS FESTIVAL

“It is expected that in Turkey, the average temperature will rise 2 degrees in the next 20-50 years due to global climate change. Even though this rise appears to be small, it will be very likely to result in a decline in rainfall, an increase in extreme climatic events such as heatwaves and floods, a loss of yield in agricultural products requiring regular irrigation, a decline in tourism revenues, a loss of biodiversity, an increase in forest fires and a decline in wetlands, groundwater and water storage areas. Moreover, rapid population growth will make Turkey a water-poor country in 2050.

However, it is in our hands to eliminate the causes of all these disastrous events and reduce their effects. Therefore, as responsible citizens, we aim to organize film festivals on environmental issues we expected to experience in Turkey to discuss solutions and encourage behavioral changes toward the social and ecological problems caused by climate change. To be effective in our discussions, we will address a different environmental theme each year.

This year’s theme is water, an indispensable component of our life and the planet. Our common existence, facing a major threat, has the power to unite us beyond nationalities, religions, generations and species. With such clear power, we can rebuild the future. We are waiting for you not only to watch and talk, but more importantly to share and find solutions together in Bergama Environmental Films Festival, where we will meet in films, interviews and events flowing like water.

Note: Our film screenings are public and free of charge.”

PhD Cem Girit