Introduction

Turkey is taking important steps to combat climate change in line with its Net Zero target for 2053. One of the most critical components of this process is the Climate Law, which has not yet entered into force but is still under preparation. The Climate Law aims to legally guarantee the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the development of adaptation policies and the establishment of green financing mechanisms.

The law is not only an environmental imperative; it is also of strategic importance for Turkey to maintain its competitiveness in global trade and to harmonise with international regulations such as the EU Green Deal and the Paris Agreement.

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Legal Framework

The draft Climate Law was included in the preparation process after becoming a party to the Paris Agreement. The law includes provisions for the measurement, reporting and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in sectors such as energy, industry, transport, agriculture and waste management.

In addition, the law will cover issues such as carbon pricing mechanisms, establishment of a national carbon market and development of green financing instruments. Thus, Turkey will have a legal framework in line with global climate policies.

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Impacts on Businesses

The Climate Law will create both obligations and opportunities for businesses. Firstly, businesses operating in carbon-intensive sectors will be required to regularly report emissions. This necessitates the strengthening of data collection and reporting infrastructures.

In addition, the law will give enterprises access to green financing instruments. International investors now pay more attention to environmental and social criteria. In this context, the Climate Law will serve as a guarantee that will facilitate the access of Turkish businesses to global finance.

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Conclusion

The Climate Law is a landmark step in Turkey's fight against climate change. Although it means new costs for businesses in the short term, it will bring sustainable development, competitive advantage and credibility in international markets in the long term.

The law will be a key tool to both ensure environmental sustainability and fulfil Turkey's international obligations.

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Bibliography

Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change. (2024). Draft Climate Law. Ankara.
European Commission. (2019). The European Green Deal. Brussels.
Paris Agreement (2015). United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.