71% believe climate change is primarily the result of human activity, while 26% think it’s a natural process, and a small minority (3%) deny its existence altogether.

The message from the Turkish public is clear: climate change is real, it is happening now, and action is needed. In recent years, Türkiye has faced intensifying environmental challenges—from deadly floods to record-breaking heatwaves—that have placed climate change squarely in the public eye. 

According to the 2024 KONDA survey, the Turkish people overwhelmingly favored renewable energy, expressed deep concern about environmental risks, and demanded stronger policy responses.

One of the central findings of the latest polling is that 7 out of every 10 people in Türkiye are currently worried about climate change. The Turkish public also appears to be clear on what’s driving the crisis: 71% believe climate change is primarily the result of human activity. In comparison, 26% think it’s a natural process, and a small minority (3%) deny its existence altogether.

Turkish people are not just informed in theory—they’re witnessing the effects. When asked whether irregular weather events, such as floods, storms, extreme heat, and droughts, have increased in recent years, a staggering 87% responded affirmatively. Only 11% said there had been no change, and just 2% thought these events had decreased in frequency. Even more telling is the public’s interpretation of these changes: 81% directly associate these irregular weather events with climate change. This strong causal link between local experiences and the global climate crisis suggests that the Turkish public perceives climate change not as an abstract global threat, but as something unfolding in their own communities.

Despite this deep concern and recognition of climate-related changes, 70% of the public is unaware of the Climate Law recently discussed in the Turkish Parliament. An additional 18% have heard of it but do not know its content, while just 12% say they are both aware of the law and familiar with its contents. Yet, when asked what priorities the Climate Law should reflect, the public offers a clear and actionable roadmap:

• 65% want the law to focus on promoting clean energy sources that are less harmful to the environment.
• 51% believe it should support science-based approaches to fighting climate change.
• 50% support the development of adaptation policies to help communities cope with future impacts.
• 46% want action to reduce emissions in key sectors, including energy, transport, and industry.
• 39% call for the closure of coal-fired power plants.

These figures indicate strong public backing for a policy agenda that aligns with both global climate goals and the priorities of many Turkish civil society organizations.

The polling results reveal a paradox: while most people in Türkiye recognize climate change as a real, human-made, and locally visible threat, they are largely unaware of the country’s core legislative response. Bridging this gap is essential—not only to raise awareness but to build the public mandate needed to implement effective, science-based, and just climate policies.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Turkiye Country Manager Ipek Gulkaya-Tasgin

Learn More References

• KONDA & İklim Haber (2024). Türkiye’de İklim Değişikliği Algısı. https://www.iklimhaber.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Konda-Iklim-Degilikligi-Algisi-rapor-2024.pdf 
• İklim Haber. https://www.iklimhaber.org