Climate Change May Reshape Turkey's Cotton Production Map

Highlighting the impact of climate change, Professor Dr. Sami Doğanlar stated that Turkey's cotton production map could undergo significant changes by the 2050s, with the coastal regions of Marmara and the Black Sea potentially becoming suitable for cotton cultivation.

Professor Dr. Sami Doğanlar, from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at İzmir Institute of Technology (İYTE), explained that cotton does not thrive under excessive rainfall and grows best in warm, humid climates with slightly acidic soils. He also emphasized that climate change is affecting cotton production through rising temperatures, decreasing water resources, drought, and extreme weather events such as heatwaves and cold spells.

According to climate change projections, major shifts in Turkey’s cotton-growing regions are anticipated in the coming decades. Prof. Dr. Doğanlar noted, “Due to rising temperatures, cotton cultivation areas in the Aegean Region may gradually shift towards the northern parts of the region. However, even in these areas, productivity and yield may decline as a result of temperature increases and changes in rainfall patterns.”

Prof. Dr. Doğanlar further added, “Climate change scenarios suggest that the northwestern parts of Turkey, particularly the coastal areas of Marmara and the Black Sea, may become increasingly favorable for cotton farming as temperatures rise. However, these regions may also face new challenges such as heavy rainfall and increased flood risks.”

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Doğanlar emphasized that due to the effects of climate change, Turkey’s cotton production map is expected to change significantly by the 2050s.