Climate change has various effects in different regions of the world. The Mediterranean Basin, including Türkiye, is one of the regions where the negative impacts of climate change are most pronounced. It is projected that the average temperature in the basin will increase by 2.5 degrees celcius-4 degrees celcius by the year 2100, and the negative impacts will further escalate in the future.1 Due to climate change, the number of hot days in Türkiye is increasing, and rainfall patterns are becoming regular.2 In Türkiye, significant loss of life and property occurs, especially in urban areas, due to climate-related extreme weather events and disasters. As emphasized in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report, climate change will manifest its effects more intensely, frequently, and widely in the near future.3 4
It is stated that countries, including Türkiye, will experience hydrological, meteorological, and agricultural droughts, and socio-economic sectors will be affected by these processes. All these factors necessitate comprehensive efforts in Türkiye to combat and adapt to climate change.
Türkiye’s Important Agenda Item in 2022: Climate Change
As a result of the negative consequences it brings, there have been significant efforts to combat climate change in Türkiye in 2022. The groundwork for these endeavors was primarily laid with important developments in the final months of 2021.
Through the Presidential Decree numbered 85, dated October 29, 2021, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization was restructured as the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. This ministry undertakes the general coordination and secretariat of the Climate Change and Adaptation Coordination Board (CCACB), which determines Türkiye’s climate change policies and represents ministries, the private sector, and civil society organizations at the highest level of decision-making. With the Presidential Decree numbered 85, CCACB was also restructured, ensuring the participation of academia and scientific institutions (Higher Education Council, TUBITAK) and top-level representatives of local governments (Union of Turkish Municipalities).5 6
As of October 7, 2021, Türkiye became party to the Paris Climate Agreement and the agreement entered into force as of November 10, 2021. In line with this, Türkiye announced its ‘Green Development’ Policy and the ‘2053 Net-Zero Emissions’ target.7 8 Türkiye became a party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2004 and the protocol of the convention, the ‘Kyoto Protocol’ in 2009. However, becoming a party to the ‘Paris Agreement’ signifies a higher level of commitment to combating climate change and advancing national efforts towards adaptation.9 In this regard, Türkiye has set its climate change agenda for 2022 accordingly and has carried out significant work and projects in all sectors.
One of the most important initiatives in the field of climate change in Türkiye was the ‘Climate Council,’ which was carried out with broad participation from government institutions, academia, the private sector, local governments, and civil society organizations. The purpose of the council was to develop Türkiye’s new vision on climate change and to present a participatory understanding of green transformation in light of evolving and changing conditions. Participants expressed their views under seven commissions titled ‘Greenhouse Gas Reduction,’ ‘Science and Technology,’ ‘Green Financing and Carbon Pricing,’ ‘Climate Change Adaptation,’ ‘Local Governments, Migration, Just Transition, and Other Social Policies’ as part of the preparation of the Climate Action Plan by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization in 2022. A total of 217 decisions were included in the council’s final statement.10 The importance of these decisions lies in their role in shaping Türkiye’s future climate change policies and laying the foundation for relevant legislation. These decisions are significant for the development of Türkiye’s Long-Term Strategy on Climate Change.6
In addition to the preparation processes of these documents, the updating works of Türkiye’s National Climate Change Strategy Document prepared in 2010 and 2011, as well as the Climate Change National Action Plan and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan towards the 2023 goals, are also carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.11
Türkiye fulfills its obligations to report national notifications and greenhouse gas emissions to the UNFCCC Secretariat through biennial reporting within the scope of the UNFCCC, to which it is party. Türkiye’s 7th National Communication on Climate Change was presented to the Secretariat in 2018, and the 4th Biennial Report was submitted in 2019. Preparatory work for the 8th National Communication and 5th Biennial Report continued in 2022.12
Türkiye’s Updated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target was requested during the process leading up to the adoption of the Paris Agreement at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP21) in 2015. Parties to the UNFCCC were asked to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) regarding global climate change mitigation to the UNFCCC Secretariat.13 Türkiye submitted its INDC on September 30, 2015, stating a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by up to 21% by 2030 compared to the reference scenario. However, at COP27 held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2022, Türkiye updated its commitment to a 41% reduction.14
As a developing country, Türkiye’s responsibility in global greenhouse gas emissions is less than 1%. According to the National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory published by TURKSTAT in 2022, the energy sector has the largest share in emission production with 70.2% followed by agriculture (14%), industrial processes and product use (12.7%), and waste (3.1%).15
Throughout 2022, significant efforts have been made in Türkiye towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including the establishment of the ‘Border Carbon Adjustment, Emission Trading System’ (ETS). One of the main reasons for this is Türkiye’s relationship with the European Union, which accounts for approximately 40% of its international trade. In 2019, the EU initiated the process of making Europe the ‘first climate-neutral continent’ through its ‘European Green Deal,’ which has influenced Türkiye. Activities carried out within sectoral working groups established in line with the Green Deal Action Plan, published as a result of the studies coordinated by the Ministry of Trade, have continued throughout 2022.16 17
Under the heading of green and circular economy in the action plan, topics such as the preparation of Türkiye’s Circular Economy Action Plan, National Sustainable Consumption and Production Action Plan, and Water Reuse Master Plan, as well as ‘Green Industrial Zone’ certification, ‘Türkiye Environmental Label,’ waste management, and resource efficiency are included.18 In addition, the ‘Technical Support Project for Assessing Türkiye’s Potential for Transitioning to a Circular Economy,’ funded by the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) of the EU, was launched on February 7, 2022, with the aim of improving and developing circular economy studies and practices in Türkiye and establishing a roadmap.19
The observations regarding the importance of a circular economy, decarbonization across all sectors, energy efficiency, and electrification in transporation for Türkiye to achieve its 2053 targets are also included in the Türkiye Country Climate and Development Report prepared by the World Bank in 2022.20 Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum announced that greenhouse gas reduction and circular economy are important components of the ‘Zero Waste’ project, with a recycling target of 35% by 2023, and it was stated that the ETS system will be implemented in 2023 as well.14 21
Studies on renewable energy sources, which are an important alternative to fossil fuels in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, have also been ongoing, and currently, 54% of Türkiye’s installed capacity is provided by renewable sources.14 Additionally, another significant development in line with the net-zero target is the completion of the work on Türkiye’s first electric vehicle, TOGG, in 2022, and the announcement by the Ministry of Industry and Technology that production of 1 million units is targeted by 2030.22
In the ‘Medium-Term Program/2023-2025 (MTP)’ published in the Official Gazette on September 4, 2022, and prepared by the Presidency of Strategy and Budget and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the topic of green transformation is emphasized, aiming to determine the additional investment and financing amounts required by sectors and the roadmaps for transitioning to low-carbon production in line with their net-zero emission targets.23
Türkiye’s Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Management Efforts
In Türkiye, in addition to combating climate change, other prominent issues in 2022 were ‘adaptation to the effects of climate change’ and ‘disaster risk management.’ In this context, significant projects are being carried out, particularly benefiting from the EU IPA funds.
Under the coordination of CSIDB and UNDP, the establishment of Türkiye’s first ‘Climate Platform,’ the preparation of Climate Change Adaptation Action Plans in four pilot provinces (Muğla, Konya, Sakarya, Samsun), conducting impact and vulnerability analyses for Türkiye, preparing a Catalogue of Nature-Based Solutions against the effects of climate change, conducting training activities for awareness-raising and capacity development for public institutions, local governments, and providing grants for climate change projects are important components of the ‘Strengthening Climate Adaptation Action in Türkiye’ project.24
Additionally, according to statistics released by TUIK in 2022, in urban areas where 93.2%25 of the population lives, efforts are underway to establish a national standard based on Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP) prepared by local governments on a voluntary basis to prevent losses and damages caused by climate-related extreme weather events and disasters in Türkiye. The Climate Platform announced that an e-LCCAP system has been established under its umbrella.26
In addition to these efforts, activities within AFAD’s ‘Technical Support for Enhancing AFAD’s Capacity in Reducing Disaster Risks and Adaptation to Climate Change-Induced Disasters in Türkiye’ project continued in 2022.27 AFAD prepared Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Plans (PDRRP) for all 81 provinces and based on them, the Türkiye Disaster Risk Reduction Plan. Climate change was one of the important topics addressed in this plan.28 29
Another important activity within the scope of adaptation is the increase in awareness of climate change and the development of capacities of different segments of society. In 2022, the Ministry of National Education completed the curriculum for the ‘Environmental Education and Climate Change’ course.30 Additionally, a ‘Collaboration Protocol for the Creation of Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Campuses’ was signed between the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Presidency of Strategy and Budget.31 TÜBİTAK organized a climate change research project competition for high school students. The Presidency of Strategy and Budget initiated the ‘Climate Ambassadors’ program, ensuring active participation of young people representing universities throughout Türkiye in climate studies.32
Furthermore, in 2022, various non-governmental organizations such as TEMA, WWF, Clean Energy Foundation, and Global Balance Association implemented significant projects targeting different segments of society, local governments, and employees in various sectors.33 34 35
Conclusion
In Türkiye, the impacts of extreme weather events and disasters associated with climate change on various economic sectors such as water, agriculture, energy, industry, tourism, as well as ecosystems, human health, and social structure, necessitate the urgent consideration of greenhouse gas reduction, adaptation, and resilience within the scope of climate change mitigation.
In order to achieve national security and climate-resilient development, it is essential to continue the process of implementing short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions related to climate change. This process involves identifying and implementing measures to address climate change and ensure a transformation towards climate-resilient development.
The ratification of the Paris Agreement and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2053 have initiated a new era in climate change policies in Türkiye. In future endeavors, it is crucial to diversify climate investments and financial resources, as well as transition to low-carbon technologies and business models across all sectors. This will facilitate effective implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation processes, as well as the creation of green jobs and industries.
Adapting to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change in Türkiye is another important policy area. In locally prepared Climate Change Action Plans, it is necessary to include not only greenhouse gas reduction actions but also comprehensive adaptation measures tailored to local conditions. This is particularly essential in conditions where the adverse effects of climate change are expected to increase. Developing early warning systems and strengthening inter-agency collaboration for accurate and up-to-date collection, impact analysis, and vulnerability assessments related to climate change are vital.
Furthermore, within the scope of adaptation actions, promoting the use of nature-based solutions in cities and prioritizing efforts to enhance societal awareness and capacity-building should be addressed. Strenthening international collaborations and fostering inclusive, participatory processes across all segments of society are crucial for enhancing efforts to combat climate change. This approach will enable Türkiye to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2053 and green development policies, leading not only to environmental benefits but also to economic and social progress.
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3. IPCC. (2021). Summary for policymakers. In: Climate Change 2021: The physical science basis. Contribution of working group I to the sixth assessment report. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
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5. Official Gazette. (2021). Bazı Cumhurbaşkanlığı kararnamelerinde değişiklik yapılması hakkında Cumhurbaşkanlığı kararnamesi. https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/ eskiler/2021/10/20211029-35.pdf
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6. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (2022). İDUK’un ilk toplantısı gerçekleşti. https://csb.gov.tr/iklim-degisikligi-ve-uyum-koordinasyon-kurulunun-ilk-toplantisi-gerceklesti-bakanlik-faaliyetleri-32026
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9. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs (t.y.). BM iklim değişikliği çerçeve sözleşmesi. https:// www.mfa.gov.tr/bm-iklim-degisikligi-cerceve-sozlesmesi.tr.mfa
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19. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (2022). Türkiye’nin döngüsel ekonomiye geçiş potansiyelinin değerlendirilmesi için teknik yardım projesi açılış etkinliği gerçekleştirildi. https://cygm.csb.gov.tr/ turkiyenin-dongusel-ekonomiye-gecis-potansiyelinin-degerlendirilmesi-icin-teknik-yardim-projesi-acilis-etkinligi-gerceklestirildi.-haber-271428
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34. TEV. (2022). Yerelden ulusala iklim ağı projesi. https://temizenerji. org/2022/11/23/yerelden-ulusala-iklim-agi-projesi-sona-erdi-proje-iklim-politikalarinda-yerel-yonetimlerin-onemine-dikkat-cekti/
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