Potential Impacts of the Climate Change Law on Turkey
Turkey is located in a region where the effects of climate change are increasingly felt worldwide. Climate change-related problems such as increasing temperatures, droughts, floods and extreme weather events pose serious threats in terms of environment, economy and society. In this context, the Draft Climate Change Law, which was accepted by the Environment Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on February 3, 2025, is considered as an important step that our country will take in combating climate change.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
One of the most fundamental causes of climate change is the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Turkey is a country with high greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the industrial sector, energy production and transportation. The Climate Change Law provides comprehensive regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to these regulations, strategies such as encouraging renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels, implementing energy efficiency projects and disseminating green technologies will come into play.
Reducing emissions will slow down the pace of climate change and help prevent environmental disasters. In addition, Türkiye’s role in global environmental policies will be strengthened by complying with international environmental standards.
Encouraging the Transition to Renewable Energy
The Climate Change Law foresees increasing production based on renewable energy sources in order to transform Türkiye’s energy structure. Clean energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass are of critical importance for reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy independence. With this law, renewable energy investments will be encouraged and support will be provided to domestic producers in this sector.
The transition to renewable energy will provide both environmental and economic benefits. With the reduction of carbon emissions, air quality will be improved, natural resources will be protected and energy costs will decrease. This step will also reduce Türkiye’s dependence on energy imports and external dependency.
Sustainable Agriculture and Water Management
The agricultural sector is a sector directly affected by climate change. Rising temperatures, depletion of water resources and adverse weather conditions lead to productivity losses. The Climate Change Law aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices by introducing various regulations for the agricultural sector. In particular, policies for efficient use of water, modernization of irrigation systems and protection of biodiversity stand out.
These regulations will increase the sustainability of agriculture, enable local producers to work more efficiently and contribute to the national economy. In addition, more effective management of water resources will help prevent climate-related disasters such as drought.
Dissemination of Green Buildings
The Climate Change Law emphasizes that green buildings should be encouraged in the construction sector. This will ensure the construction of energy-efficient, low-carbon and environmentally friendly buildings. In addition, there are incentives for energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings. In this way, more sustainable structures will emerge in the residential sector and commercial buildings.
Green building practices will provide both environmental and economic benefits by reducing energy consumption. Costs will be reduced by providing savings, the life of buildings will be extended and healthier living spaces will be created. At the same time, new business opportunities and technology development areas will emerge for the construction sector.
Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Management
Turkey is exposed to more natural disasters due to climate change. Climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts and storms threaten public health and infrastructure. The Climate Change Law will strengthen adaptation to climate change and ensure the development of comprehensive plans in the field of disaster management. These plans will contribute to the creation of a society that is more resilient to disasters by increasing coordination between local governments and state institutions.
Minimizing the effects of disasters will help prevent economic losses throughout the country and protect public health. At the same time, a society that is prepared for disasters will be created and rapid and effective interventions will be possible after possible disasters.
Creating Green Workforce and Employment
Combating climate change and sustainable development pave the way for the emergence of new business areas. The Climate Change Law aims to create new employment opportunities in areas such as environmentally friendly technology development, energy efficiency projects, the renewable energy sector and environmentally sensitive infrastructure projects.
This process will create a green workforce and contribute to the growth of sustainable job opportunities in Türkiye’s labor market. In addition, a new generation of engineers and scientists specialized in environmental technologies and innovation will be trained.
International Reputation and Attracting Investment
The fight against climate change is becoming an increasingly important issue in the international arena. The steps taken by Turkey on climate change will strengthen the country’s role in global environmental policies and ensure that it gains reputation in the international arena. In addition, investments in green energy projects and the promotion of environmentally friendly projects may attract the attention of foreign investors in our country.
Turkey can receive international cooperation and financing support thanks to the steps it will take on climate change, and it can develop in the field of green economy and achieve a stronger economic structure.
The Climate Change Law offers a great opportunity for Turkey. In addition to ensuring environmental sustainability, this law has the potential to transform the economic structure of our country. Turkey can achieve great gains in both environmental and economic terms in areas such as increasing renewable energy investments, spreading green technologies, and creating a society resilient to disasters. The implementation of this law is a critical step for not only today but also future generations to be able to live in a healthy environment.
İlker KURAN
Alperen Mühendislik Ltd. Şti.