ERKAN ERGÜL

The Role of the Municipal Council and the Mayor in Merzifon’s Goal of Achieving Climate Neutrality by 2030

Abstract

The leadership of local governments is critically important for cities to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Mayors play a key role in developing strategic vision, guiding public opinion, and allocating resources, while municipal councils are decisive actors in providing a legal basis for decisions, monitoring plans, and ensuring public participation. Actions such as preparing climate action plans, supporting renewable energy projects, and adopting sustainable transportation policies can be effectively implemented through the collaboration of these actors. Moreover, local leaders who work in coordination with central governments can enhance access to financial resources and accelerate climate-related investments. Therefore, mayors and council members must be at the forefront of the climate neutrality process, both as policymakers and as pioneers of social transformation.

In this context, Merzifon Municipality has prepared its carbon footprint and sustainability report, implemented the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Protocol, and established the Municipal Council Sustainability Commission to carry out its planning in a controlled and coordinated manner.

Biography

Erkan ERGÜL was born in Amasya in 1972. He completed his primary and secondary education in Merzifon, graduated from Police College in 1990 and Police Academy in 1994. He retired in 2018 when he was the Merzifon Police Chief. In 2019, he assumed the position of Deputy Mayor of Merzifon with the election of local administrations. He served as the as the deputy mayor responsible for the Merzifon Carbon Footprint Project. In 2024, he took on the roles of Chairman of the Merzifon Municipal Council Sustainability Commission and council member.  He is married and has two children.