In a significant legal development, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the administrative court in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, to critically evaluate the environmental impact assessment (EIA) related to the expansion of the Afşin Elbistan A coal power plant. This facility is one of the largest coal power operations globally and a notable contributor to environmental pollution. The expansion plan includes adding two new units to the already massive plant.

HRW's concerns are deeply rooted in the EIA's apparent oversight of crucial environmental and health impacts. The assessment, as approved by the Ministry of Environment, reportedly lacks essential data, such as baseline air quality measurements and a detailed health risk analysis. This omission is critical because the area around the plant already suffers from air pollutant levels, including sulfur dioxide, that surpass both national and international standards.

Local medical professionals have observed an alarming increase in respiratory diseases and cancer rates within communities close to the plant. This health crisis aligns with government data, adding a layer of urgency to the court’s review. The region's heavy reliance on coal power starkly contrasts with Türkiye's constitutional commitment to a healthy environment, outlined in Article 56, and its international obligations under treaties like the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

HRW's amicus brief to the court is not merely a procedural formality but a critical commentary on the potential human rights violations stemming from inadequate environmental governance. The court's decision could set a precedent for how environmental laws are enforced in Türkiye, especially considering the WHO's estimation that air pollution has been linked to approximately 35,000 deaths in the country since 2019.

Despite Türkiye's commendable achievement of generating 54 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, the ongoing approval of new coal projects presents a paradox. The National Rural Development Strategy highlights sustainable energy as a crucial factor in mitigating climate-related disasters, including flooding, a persistent threat exacerbated by environmental degradation.

As the court deliberates on this pivotal case, the outcome will not only influence the future of coal power in Türkiye but also reflect the country's commitment to both its citizens' health and its international environmental responsibilities.