Possible to live without coal, never without water: Turkish NGO

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish environmental organization said on Wednesday that it is possible to live without coal at a time of drought crisis, but never without water.

"Greenhouse gas emissions from coal mining are one of the main contributor to climate crisis," said the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA) on Twitter, adding that 4 million tons of water is consumed per day for coal production -- the maximum daily amount of water that Turkey's population should spend.

Citing the drought analysis published by Turkey's meteorological department, which indicated that the country is experiencing a "huge drought risk," TEMA noted that many lakes in Turkey have dried up.

Turkey's water resources continue to be consumed for coal mining, the NGO stressed, saying: "You can live without coal, never without water!" added TEMA.

Founded in 1992, TEMA is the country’s leading environmental advocacy group that focuses on preserving nature by combating erosion and carrying out forestation projects.