Türkiye introduces first climate law targeting net zero emissions by 2053
Visitors visit the “Zero Waste” themed country pavilion of the Turkish Directorate of Communications as part of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku on November 12, 2024. (AA Photo)
Türkiye is preparing to adopt its first national climate law, a comprehensive legislative framework aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2053.
The draft bill, which will be discussed in the Turkish Parliament following the national holiday, marks a major milestone in the country’s climate policy and regulatory structure.
Climate law outlines emission targets and institutional roles
The legislation, described as a “code law,” establishes binding rules for public institutions, private companies, and individuals. It seeks to increase climate resilience across urban areas by mandating the creation of Provincial Climate Change Councils in each of Türkiye’s 81 provinces, chaired by the respective governors.
Greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced in accordance with the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the 2053 net-zero goal, and strategic and action plans set forth by the Climate Change Presidency.
The presidency will also be tasked with developing national, sectoral, and thematic climate reports and launching Türkiye’s Green Taxonomy to define sustainable economic activities.
Carbon trading and permits be central regulatory tools
To regulate emissions from imported goods, the law proposes the introduction of a Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism. Additionally, an Emissions Trading System (ETS) will be implemented to manage domestic emissions, overseen by a newly established Carbon Market Board.
This board will approve the national allocation plan and determine the distribution of free allowances within the ETS.
Companies engaged in activities that result in direct greenhouse gas emissions will be required to obtain official emission permits. Entities under ETS jurisdiction must secure their permits within three years of the law’s enactment.
New climate law enforces strict penalties for violations
The proposed law includes a range of financial penalties for non-compliance. Businesses that fail to submit verified emissions reports on time will face fines ranging from ₺500,000 ($13,159K) to ₺5 million ($131,597K).
Enterprises without an approved annual emission report may be fined between ₺1 million ($26,319K) and ₺10 million ($263,194K).
Additional penalties target those involved in the use or trade of substances harmful to the ozone layer. A ₺2.5 million ($65,7K) fine will apply to anyone using, importing, or distributing such substances, while failure to meet labeling requirements will result in a ₺120,000 ($3,158K) fine.
Violations involving fluorinated greenhouse gases will also carry a ₺2.5 million ($65,7K) fine, and companies in breach may be denied a Hydrofluorocarbon Control Certificate for a period of three to six months.
Scientific definition of net zero clarified by climate official
Director of Climate Change Presidency Professor Dr. Halil Hasar addressed the meaning of “net zero emissions,” emphasizing that the term does not imply the total elimination of carbon dioxide emissions.
“Net zero does not mean there will be no carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere at all. That’s not feasible,” Hasar said.
“The concept is based on maintaining the natural balance—ensuring that the amount of greenhouse gases released is offset by the capacity of sinks or technologies that remove carbon from the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, after all, is an essential gas we still need,” he added.
