Dear Members;
Climate Law Proposal has been published / Climate Law Proposal has been accepted by the commission (February 27, 2025).
The Climate Law plays an important role in achieving Turkey's environmental & green transformation goals and maintaining its competitiveness in global trade.
Climate Law History:
- Work on the law proposal started in 2019.
- On February 20, 2025, it was submitted to the Presidency of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
- On February 21, 2025, it was referred to the Environment Commission.
With the first proposal, the phrase “green growth” in the draft text was changed to “green development”.
In addition, the phrase “in line with the net zero emission target” was added to subparagraph “g” of Article 2, definitions, which defines the Emissions Trading System.
This clause was adopted after amendment as follows;
g) Emissions Trading System (ETS): A national and/or international market-based mechanism that operates based on the principle of setting an upper limit on greenhouse gas emissions in line with the net zero emission target and encourages greenhouse gas emission reductions by buying and selling allowances, and the justification for these changes is that it is aimed to gradually reduce emission emissions in order to fulfill the zero emission commitments until 2053 in the Paris Climate Agreement to which Turkey is a party.
Summary of the Proposal:
With the proposal,
- In the context of combating climate change, it is aimed to regulate the legal and institutional framework for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change adaptation activities, planning and implementation tools, revenues to be used in combating climate change, as well as principles regarding permits and inspections.
According to the proposal, which sets out the general principles in the fight against climate change, Turkey will be based on equality, climate justice, precaution, participation, integration, sustainability, transparency, fair transition and progress approaches, taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and relative capabilities in the fight against climate change. Public institutions and organizations and real and legal persons will be obliged to comply with and implement the measures and regulations to be taken by considering the public interest. In the National Contribution Declaration, the development priorities and special conditions of the country will be taken into consideration in line with the net zero emission target and measures will be taken within this framework.
In the coming period, as carbon regulations become more decisive in global trade, it is critical for businesses to adapt to this new structure. Turkey's Climate Law offers significant opportunities for both environmental and economic transformation. Companies that anticipate this process early and take strategic steps will retain a competitive advantage with the European Union (EU).