Climate Law was approved in the Turkish Grand National Assembly

The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) has taken a historic step in the fight against climate change and passed the “Climate Law.” The law was prepared to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, and establish a legal basis for environmental sustainability in line with Türkiye’s green growth vision and 2053 net zero emissions target.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND NEW DEFINITIONS

Within the scope of the law, legal definitions were brought to basic concepts such as “just transition”, “emissions trading system (ETS)”, “embodied greenhouse gas emissions”, “voluntary carbon markets” and “climate justice”. In addition, greenhouse gas reduction is targeted through tools such as carbon trading, offset mechanisms and sectoral strategies.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The law is based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” in the climate fight. All public institutions, local governments and the private sector will be obliged to fulfill their responsibilities within the framework of the principles of transparency, sustainability and integration.

DIRECTORATE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND COORDINATION

The Climate Change Presidency will be responsible for annual emission monitoring, strategy determination, regulating carbon markets and inter-institutional coordination. The Presidency will be able to obtain the necessary data from public institutions and the private sector and will integrate this data into the National Geographic Information Platform.

EMISSION REDUCTION AND ADAPTATION ACTIVITIES

In line with the National Contribution Declaration, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced in sectors such as energy, industry, agriculture and transportation. Renewable energy, efficiency practices, zero waste systems and circular economy policies will be encouraged.

Within the scope of adaptation to climate change, effective management of water resources, protection of ecosystems, prevention of land degradation and nature-based solutions come to the fore. In addition, disaster risk management, development of climate-resistant product patterns in agriculture and water budget-based planning will be made.

PLANNING AND THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Climate Change Coordination Boards to be established on a provincial basis will ensure the preparation and implementation of local climate plans. Local adaptation and mitigation strategies will be created through studies to be carried out under the coordination of the provincial governorship in each province.

FINANCIAL MECHANISMS AND GREEN TAXONOMY

The law foresees the development of green financing, insurance systems, sustainable banks and capital instruments for climate investments. Türkiye Green Taxonomy and climate change incentive mechanisms will be established. In addition, a Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (SKDM) can be established.

EMISSION TRADING SYSTEM (ETS)

Under the ETS, businesses emitting greenhouse gases will be required to obtain a permit. These businesses will deliver allowances equal to their annual verified emissions. The ETS market will be run under the supervision of the Carbon Market Board, and free allowances will be distributed according to certain criteria.

CARBON MARKET SETUP AND OPERATION

The Carbon Market Board will consist of representatives from the climate and economy ministries. The strategy and implementation principles regarding the ETS market and carbon credits will be determined by this board. A market operator and a central settlement institution have been defined for the transparent, secure and efficient operation of the ETS.

SUPERVISION, SANCTIONS AND SANCTION MECHANISMS

Businesses that fail to report greenhouse gas emissions on time or violate their obligations may be subject to fines ranging from 500,000 TL to 5 million TL. These fines will be applied at double the rate for businesses within the scope of ETS. Serious sanctions have also been introduced for violations related to fluorinated gases and substances that deplete the ozone layer.

EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Climate change awareness will be increased at all levels of education. Curricula will be updated, and educational programs that support green workforce will be implemented. Awareness activities will be carried out for public information, capacity building and stakeholder participation.

The Climate Law provides a solid foundation for environmental, economic and social sustainability by providing Türkiye’s climate policies with a concrete, measurable and traceable framework. With the law, Turkey is committed to accelerating the green transformation process and taking more determined steps towards global climate goals.

Source: Headline News