Türkiye

Türkiye is ranked 53rd in this year’s CCPI, placing it among the lowest ranked countries. It receives a medium rating in Renewable Energy, low in GHG Emissions and Energy Use, and very low in Climate Policy.

Türkiye is low in the CCPI because of its inadequate climate policies, lack of consideration of renewable energy projects’ effects on the local population, and an insufficient Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

The CCPI national experts assess that the country’s climate policies are inconsistent and that no short-term targets are set.

Türkiye’s increasing energy demands are largely met through imported fossil fuels. The country has also begun building its first nuclear power plant and continues to explore new coal and oil/gas fields. No phase-out policy is in place. The CCPI experts demand a clear phase-out policy for all fossil fuels, based on the principles of a just transition.

An Uptick in Renewable Energy, But Not Necessarily a Just Transition for Local Communities

Türkiye has undergone increased renewable energy production, a development reflected in the medium rating in this category. In 2022, it presented its National Energy Plan for 2035, aimed at boosting renewable energy. While renewable energy capacity is increasing, it is not substituting fossil fuels. New wind and solar capacities are being developed and electric vehicle factories are being promoted. However, Türkiye lacks a nationwide target for the electrification of its public transport.

While renewable energy sources are essential for the transition away from fossil fuels, this transition must be just and social manner, considering the local context where renewable energy projects are being built. The CCPI experts report that forest land has been exploited for mining, and deforestation is increasing due to the expanding furniture industry. . Additionally, the use of biomass power plants has important negative implications, leading to a decline in natural carbon sink areas. Moreover, geothermal energy applications have been installed on valuable agricultural lands, threatening harm to food security. The lack of spatial planning and adequate permitting processes for energy projects, including for renewables, remains a critical weakness.

The country’s NDC, presented at COP27, would lead to a GHG emissions increase, rather than a reduction, until 2030. The experts express concern that the second NDC, expected in 2025, will not be based on science or be compatible with limiting global warming to below 1.5°C.

Key Outcomes

CCPI Experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• Ozgur Gurbuz
• Climate Action Network Europe
• Dr. Umit Sahin (Sabanci University Istanbul Policy Center)