Türkiye ranked among the top-performing countries in the PISA 2025 environmental science assessment, exceeding the OECD average with 494 points and placing 17th among 85 countries and 12th among 38 OECD members.

According to the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025, Türkiye scored above the OECD average of 480 points in environmental science, which was assessed for the first time as a separate field within the science domain. The assessment examined not only students' knowledge and skills related to environmental issues but also their environmental awareness, attitudes and expectations for the future.

The results were announced as Türkiye continues preparations to host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change between November 9 and 20.

The Ministry of National Education has implemented various programmes aimed at developing climate-resilient education systems, supporting teachers, increasing climate literacy and expanding green skills among students.

Türkiye's environmental education efforts

Within climate action plans, the elective "Environmental Education and Climate Change" course has been introduced in primary and lower secondary schools.

The course covers issues including the balance between production and consumption, global climate change, greenhouse gases, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion and natural disasters.

Through the "Green Homeland – My School, A Solution for the Future" activities implemented under the Türkiye Century Education Model's "From Roots to the Future" approach, students are encouraged to develop environmental awareness, sustainable living skills and a sense of responsibility.

Türkiye exceeds OECD average in environmental awareness

The PISA 2025 environmental science assessment also examined students' awareness of environmental challenges, their attitudes and their expectations regarding the future.

Türkiye scored 0.39 on the environmental awareness index, above the OECD average of -0.14. OECD data also showed that 83 per cent of students in Türkiye believe they can make a positive contribution to the environment, while 85 per cent believe collective action can help solve environmental problems.

In addition, 74 per cent of students in Türkiye said they know how to work with others to make a positive impact on the environment, compared with 68 per cent across OECD countries.

The share of students who said they wanted to contribute to environmental protection through their future careers reached 78.5 per cent in Türkiye, compared with 61.6 per cent among OECD countries.

Environmental learning opportunities at schools stand out

Türkiye also performed above the OECD average in the index measuring environmental learning opportunities provided at schools, scoring 0.54 compared with the OECD average of 0.01.

According to the assessment, 99.2 per cent of students in Türkiye participated in school recycling programmes, while 99.5 per cent took part in activities supporting people affected by natural disasters.

Türkiye ranks 17th among 85 countries

In the PISA 2025 environmental science assessment, Türkiye ranked 17th among 85 participating countries and 12th among 38 OECD countries with its average score of 494 points.

Türkiye also ranked above 26 OECD countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria and Poland, and surpassed a total of 68 countries participating in the assessment.

The assessment showed that 80 per cent of students in Türkiye reached at least the baseline proficiency level in environmental science, compared with 73.7 per cent across OECD countries. Students achieving this level are able to use basic scientific knowledge and skills to evaluate environmental problems.

Türkiye's students also recorded a higher share of top-level performance in environmental science. The proportion of students reaching the highest proficiency levels was 7.9 per cent in Türkiye, compared with 7 per cent in OECD countries.(ILKHA)