The place and importance of cli̇mate change i̇n the urban agenda: The case of Van

This thesis examines the local impacts of climate change and how policies developed to cope with these effects have taken shape in the case of Van province. The study addresses, from a sociological perspective, how public institutions and civil society organizations in Van perceive the climate crisis, what strategies they develop, and the extent of their collaboration. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with representatives from Van Metropolitan Municipality, DAKA, AFAD, VANTSO, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van Lake Activists, and local media organizations, and were analyzed using qualitative research methods. The findings reveal that local administrations lack sufficient institutional capacity and strategic planning in combating climate change, while civil society organizations contribute through awareness-raising activities. It was also determined that climate change has tangible effects in Van, particularly on water resources, agriculture, tourism, and the lake ecosystem. The study observes that individual awareness regarding the climate crisis is limited, and that public participation remains inadequate. The results emphasize the need for a holistic and participatory collaboration process among government institutions, civil society, universities, and the public to effectively address the climate crisis at the local level.