Understanding Turkey’s Climate Law: 14 Key Questions Answered
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanism, and Climate Change has provided answers to those curious about Türkiye’s first climate law proposal in the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the climate law proposal includes 20 articles, 2 temporary articles, and 3 different laws aimed at combating climate change. The proposed law seeks to create resilient cities resistant to the destructive effects of climate change-related disasters, promote the use of renewable energy resources, and protect nature-friendly production, biodiversity, and green areas.
The law also aims to regulate measures to increase water and food safety, as well as to prepare local and national action plans. These plans will focus on making the economy, cities, and critical sectors, especially agriculture and food production, less susceptible to the impacts of the climate crisis.
Here are some key points addressed in response to questions about the climate law proposal:
1. The Climate Law is needed to achieve Türkiye’s 2053 net zero emission target and promote Green Growth. It aims to minimize the negative effects of climate change and create climate-resistant cities.
2. The law will address sectors such as cities, infrastructure, agriculture, animal husbandry, green areas, and water resources. It seeks to promote environmentally friendly structures in energy, industry, and transportation sectors.
3. Ground-level steps include establishing provincial climate change coordination boards in each province to develop action plans and coordinate with relevant institutions.
4. Precautions will be taken against climate-based disasters through risk assessment, monitoring, and early warning systems.
5. Measures will be implemented to manage water resources effectively and protect forest, agriculture, pastures, and wetlands.
6. The law will encourage the use of clean technologies and strengthen cooperation between public and private sectors.
7. Training and awareness programs will be organized to increase public awareness of climate change.
8. Türkiye Green Taxonomy will determine environmentally friendly investments and boost national and international financial flows.
9. An emission trade system will be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in industrial facilities.
10. The Climate Law is not only about the trade system. It aims to create climate-resistant cities, ensure water and food safety, promote renewable energy and clean technologies, and protect agricultural areas and biodiversity.
11. Claims that the Climate Law will end agricultural activities are unfounded. The law supports organic agriculture and animal husbandry to prioritize food safety.
12. The law does not include regulations for citizens to pay carbon taxes.
13. The law does not imply the complete elimination of coal and oil use, but instead promotes clean energy options.
14. The law will address carbon footprint by promoting environmentally friendly practices in production without restricting individual freedoms.
Overall, the Climate Law proposal in Türkiye aims to address the challenges posed by climate change and create a more sustainable and resilient future for the country.
