Arçelik CEO Ascends Everest to Raise Awareness of Climate Change

Arçelik CEO, Hakan Bulgurlu successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, as part of a wider business aim to raise awareness of climate change and the 21-year window to reverse its effects.

Arçelik CEO reached 8,848m summit on 23rd May, after a gruelling 26-day trek. The climb reflects Arçelik’s continued efforts to build a sustainable future through its environment friendly products and sustainability campaigns.

The Everest expedition follows successful Arçelik team ascents of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2011 and 2018; Elbrus in 2017 and Mount Aconcagua in January 2018. The business uses each challenge to educate employees and raise public awareness of the impact of global warming.

Bulgurlu was inspired to embark on the climb on finding out that the Himalayas could lose two-thirds of its glaciers by 2100 if global efforts to limit global warming are unsuccessfuli. This finding follows a landmark report released by the United Nations, which states, that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, the atmosphere will increase by as much as 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels by 2040.

“21 years is an incredibly short period of time in the life of our planet and we must act fast to limit the long-lasting effects of climate change. We must rise to the challenge of preventing a future where our planet is inhabitable. At Arçelik, we are completely dedicated to doing everything within our power to counter the effects of climate change. We hope that our Mount Everest expedition will raise awareness and encourage people to do their part.”

Arçelik is urging individuals and businesses to take action in the fight against climate change by making simple everyday changes. They include:

For individuals

• Call on all business and government leaders to take bold action against climate change.
• Consume conscientiously by eating less meat and don’t waste food.
• Don't buy things you don't need. Product emissions arise from long supply chains, our ability to reduce them is mostly limited to purchasing decisions.
• Switch to green energy solutions.
• Go car-free whenever possible.
• Learn about and engage in more discussions on climate solutions. As you change your habits, your close network will adjust their actions accordingly.

For business leaders

• Raise awareness of climate change within your company, and create a culture focused on sustainability.
• Set out clear actions and goals for your organization to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Build purposeful brands and work on innovations that support sustainable lifestyles. Consumers are now willing to pay more to save their planet.