Eco Echo

On this episode of Eco Echo, host Nil Kıran and guest Beyza Altan unpack why sustainable housing is so often branded as a luxury—and how architecture can change that narrative.

From passive cooling and mud-brick insulation to bamboo scaffolding and community-driven design, they explore ways to democratize sustainability so it benefits low-income communities, not just the wealthy. Together, they connect architecture, climate resilience, and social justice, asking: how can we ensure green design doesn’t widen inequality but instead builds a fairer, healthier future for all?

On this episode of Eco Echo, host Nil Kıran sits down with Cafer Demir Özalp to examine the world’s most famous climate accord—the Paris Agreement. Hailed as a historic breakthrough, the agreement has lowered projected warming and driven investment in renewables, but critics argue it’s more political stagecraft than real action. We unpack the evidence: wealthy nations failing to deliver climate finance, the lack of enforcement when targets are missed, and the frustration of youth activists who see “empty promises.” At the same time, we highlight how Paris has changed the global climate conversation and created a framework for accountability. Is it progress, theatre, or both? Tune in to find out.

On this episode of Eco Echo, host Nil Kıran sits down with environmental scientist Alper Öztürk to explore the groundbreaking discovery of PETases—enzymes that can “eat” plastic. From their origins in a Japanese recycling plant to their potential role in creating a circular economy, we unpack how these enzymes could transform plastic waste into reusable resources. Join us as we discuss the science, the challenges of scaling up, and why PETases might be one of the most promising tools in tackling global plastic pollution and driving sustainability forward.

On this episode of Eco-Echo, host Nil Kıran is joined by Ece Kuzuimamlar to uncover the hidden threat of ghost nets—lost and abandoned fishing gear that makes up nearly 10% of ocean plastic. They explore how the EU’s groundbreaking Single-Use Plastics Directive and Port Reception Facilities Directive are transforming fishing practices, with case studies from Denmark, Sweden, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Greece. From recycling nets into new products to marking schemes that track gear ownership, this conversation dives deep into law, science, and community action. Tune in to learn how Europe’s approach could shape the future of global ocean protection.

On this episode of Eco Echo, host Nil Kıran speaks with legal scholar Meyra Güler about the emerging movement to criminalize ecocide—the widespread and severe destruction of ecosystems. We unpack the proposed Ecocide Recognition Act, which would add ecocide to national penal codes and to the International Criminal Court’s list of crimes alongside genocide and crimes against humanity. From the Vietnam War’s Agent Orange to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and ongoing Amazon deforestation, we explore real-world cases where decision-makers—CEOs, generals, and politicians—could be held personally accountable. Tune in to discover how law, justice, and environmental protection are converging to reshape our future.

As Turkey faces another devastating wave of wildfires—this time in Bursa—host Nil Kıran and Liya Suda delve into the emotional toll of climate disasters. What is climate anxiety, and why is it on the rise? From peeling paint in forgotten classrooms to the roaring fires of today, this episode explores how climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a deeply personal, psychological burden. Drawing on research from Yale, Stanford, and the University of Bath, we uncover what experts are saying and how communities can transform fear into resilience. Whether you're a student, activist, or simply overwhelmed by the news, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope.

The ocean covers over 70% of our planet, yet much of it remains unprotected and vulnerable to exploitation. In this episode of Eco Echo, host Nil Kıran sits down with marine policy expert Ece Kuzuimamlar to explore the rising wave of ocean protection and Blue Economy laws.

From the groundbreaking High Seas Treaty to the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), we uncover how these legal frameworks aim to safeguard biodiversity, regulate fishing and mining, and ensure a sustainable future for our seas.

Discover why these laws are more than environmental measures — they’re global survival strategies. Whether you care about climate change, marine wildlife, or sustainable economies, this episode will change the way you see the blue that surrounds us.

Today on Eco Echo, host Nil Kıran sits down with guest Meyra Guler to explore the rise of Environmental Justice and Equity Law—a groundbreaking concept that ensures vulnerable communities are not left to bear the burden of pollution and industrial development.

From Cancer Alley in Louisiana to the Amazon rainforest and the Standing Rock protests, Merya highlights real-world examples where marginalized groups faced disproportionate harm—and how laws like the Environmental Justice Impact Assessment (EJIA) could change the balance of power.

This conversation isn’t just about protecting ecosystems—it’s about defending human rights, empowering indigenous voices, and ensuring fairness in how we build our future.

If you’ve ever wondered how law can become a tool for both environmental protection and social justice, this episode is for you.

On this episode of Eco-Echo, host Nil Kıran and guest Aybars Aktaş explore one of the defining challenges of our time — biodiversity loss and ecosystem resilience. With nearly one million species at risk of extinction, what does this mean for global food security, climate stability, and human survival? From the decline of pollinators to coral reef collapse, the conversation unpacks how species loss destabilizes the systems we depend on. We highlight research from institutions like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and Oxford, alongside efforts from WWF, Conservation International, and the UN’s 30x30 initiative. Discover how scientists, indigenous communities, and innovators are working to restore balance — and why protecting biodiversity is key to a sustainable future.

On this episode of Eco-Echo, host Nil Kıran sits down with Cafer Demir Özalp to explore one of the most urgent questions in climate justice: Who really pays the price for climate change? From Pakistan’s devastating floods to Pacific island nations facing extinction, the conversation dives into the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund, the pledges made so far, and why they fall dramatically short of what’s needed. Together, Nil and Demir examine the role of wealthy nations, the demands of the Global South, and the push for fossil fuel companies to contribute.They also highlight voices like the late Saleemul Huq, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and climate scholars calling for systemic solutions. At stake is more than money—it’s about fairness, responsibility, and whether global solidarity can survive the climate crisis.