Turkish Legislature approves initial climate legislation, aiming for carbon neutrality target by 2053.
Turkey has taken a significant step towards addressing climate change by adopting its first national climate law in early July 2025. This comprehensive legal framework aims to combat climate change, achieve net zero emissions by 2053, and reinforce Turkey's green growth strategy.
Key provisions of the law include the establishment of a National Emissions Trading System (ETS), the strengthening of the Climate Change Directorate's authority, and the mandate for institutions in key sectors to implement emission reduction measures.
The ETS, scheduled to begin in earnest by 2026, with a pilot phase starting a year earlier, will require companies within its scope to obtain greenhouse gas emission permits within three years of the regulation's enforcement. The Carbon Market Board will oversee the ETS and monitor its pilot phase.
The Climate Change Directorate (DCC) is empowered to monitor compliance, conduct inspections, issue administrative sanctions, and coordinate enforcement of emission limits and environmental standards. Institutions in key sectors, such as energy, cement, and steel, are expected to implement emission reduction measures aligned with Turkey’s National Contribution Declaration (NCD) and net zero target.
The law also introduces official definitions for terms like "net zero emissions," "climate justice," "carbon credit," and reinforces Turkey's commitment to international climate frameworks such as the Paris Agreement.
The ETS is expected to create a market-driven incentive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for covered companies, encouraging a transition to cleaner technologies and fuels. By mandating expansion of renewable energy and clean technology development, the law supports growth in Turkey’s renewable energy sector and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition, the law focuses on circular economy principles and resource efficiency to lower emissions intensity across industries. Cities are obliged to integrate local plans on climate adaptation and are encouraged to provide financial support for clean energy and sustainability.
The law's alignment with international standards, particularly the Paris Agreement, enhances Turkey’s international competitiveness by anticipating carbon border adjustments and other environmental trade requirements. The strengthened institutional framework and legal clarity boost Turkey’s credibility and readiness to engage in climate-conscious trade partnerships.
However, experts from the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD) have called for clearer compliance timelines and more guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
International observers, including ClientEarth and the European Union, have welcomed the law as a significant step. The EU is expected to closely monitor Turkey's ETS rollout due to trade integration. Moreover, Turkey's climate law positions the country to manage financial and diplomatic risks associated with the EU CBAM starting in 2026.
In conclusion, Turkey's new climate law establishes a robust institutional and legal basis for emission reductions, promotes renewable energy and clean technologies, and prepares the country for the evolving demands of international environmental compliance and trade. The success of the law in achieving measurable emission reductions and a sustainable transformation depends on political will, corporate accountability, and sustained public engagement.
- The European Union has expressed support for Turkey's recently adopted climate law, acknowledging it as a vital step towards addressing climate change.
- With the establishment of a National Emissions Trading System (ETS), Turkey aims to create a market-driven incentive for businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The ETS, set to start in 2026, will require companies in specific sectors to obtain greenhouse gas emission permits within three years of its enforcement.
- The Climate Change Directorate (DCC) is given more authority to oversee compliance, conduct inspections, and coordinate emission limits and environmental standards.
- The law promotes the use of circular economy principles and resource efficiency, encouraging cities to develop local climate adaptation plans and provide financial support for clean energy and sustainability.
- As Turkey moves towards net zero emissions by 2053, experts and international observers, such as ClientEarth and the European Union, emphasize the importance of clearer compliance timelines and guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
