A potential turning point came on July 9, 2025, when Türkiye adopted its first Climate Law.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have long balanced climate pledges against fossil-fuel realities. On the one hand, Türkiye has committed to the Paris Agreement and set a net-zero target for 2053; on the other hand, the government continues to double down on coal and natural gas to secure energy supplies.
Greenhouse gas emissions are still rising, even as renewable energy expands rapidly. Solar and wind capacity have grown impressively, yet fossil fuels remain the backbone of the system. A potential turning point came on July 9, 2025, when Türkiye adopted its first Climate Law. Far from symbolic, the law—if fully enforced—could reshape how the country generates power, runs its industries, and adapts to climate impacts. Still, political leadership must reconcile international climate commitments with domestic energy security and economic growth priorities.
On the technical side, Türkiye has a strong capacity. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change compiles annual emissions inventories in line with UNFCCC standards. The country has also become a regional leader in renewable energy integration, with well-developed engineering and construction expertise. Yet challenges persist in expanding grid infrastructure, scaling up storage, and decarbonizing heavy industries such as cement and steel.
Media coverage of climate change remains inconsistent. Mainstream outlets often focus on dramatic events like floods or wildfires without linking them clearly to climate change. Independent and digital media, by contrast, more often scrutinize government policies, amplify scientific voices, and press for accountability. Even so, coverage overall still tends to mirror political agendas more than scientific urgency.
Public awareness is rising, especially among younger generations. Surveys show that urban and educated citizens are generally more supportive of renewables and stronger climate policies, while rural communities prioritize immediate economic concerns such as energy prices and jobs. Civil society and youth groups, though smaller than in Western Europe, are becoming more vocal in demanding a faster energy transition.
What’s next?
Türkiye now has a climate law on the books, but laws alone do not cut emissions—implementation does. Two steps could tip the balance:
- Political leadership should ensure the new emissions trading system is meaningful from the start, covers major polluters, and sets a credible price on carbon rather than symbolic caps.
- The media should mount sustained campaigns to track compliance, highlight missed deadlines or weak enforcement, and link climate failures directly to everyday costs for citizens.
Türkiye has taken a bold legislative step. The tools to cut emissions are now in place. Whether they deliver results will depend on political will, media scrutiny, and public pressure working together.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard, Turkiye Country Manager, İpek Taşgın.
Edited by Diana Gastelum.