Türkiye’s Climate Change Policy: An Evaluation of Its Transition to Low Carbon Policies

Abstract

Since the Industrial Revolution, many countries have achieved notable progress in their industries, transportation, economic growth, and technical advancements. Higher concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and water vapor (H₂O) in the atmosphere, as well as changes in regional and global climates, were associated with increased production and the consequent need for more energy and intensive use of fossil fuels. Because of intense production and consumption practices that assumed natural resources were limitless, major environmental issues resulted from industrialisation. Türkiye is experiencing the negative consequences of climate change and aim to reach zero emission target. In this context, this article utilises documentary analysis and examine the related reports including ‘Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’ (IPCC) reports, European Union (EU) progress reports and Turkish national reports as well as Türkiye’s legislative and institutional structures on low carbon policies.