Türkiye Introduces First Climate Law to Parliament, Aiming for Net-Zero by 2053

Türkiye has taken a significant step in its fight against climate change, with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) presenting the country’s first-ever climate law to parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to institutionalize Türkiye’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a net-zero economy by 2053.

Key Provisions: Carbon Market and Emissions Trading System

A major highlight of the 20-article draft law is the establishment of a carbon market board and an emissions trading system (ETS)—a mechanism where businesses can trade greenhouse gas emission allowances. These tools will be overseen by the Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Ministry and will function as part of Türkiye’s broader climate policy framework.

• The ETS will operate as a market-based system where companies buy and sell emission allowances, creating financial incentives for reducing carbon output.
• The carbon market board will regulate and oversee these transactions, ensuring compliance with emission reduction targets.
• Emission allowances will be classified as capital market instruments, with revenues directed toward funding climate-friendly investments.

Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance

The bill introduces strict penalties for businesses failing to comply with emission reporting requirements:

• Entities failing to submit verified greenhouse gas emission reports on time will face fines between 500,000 and 5 million Turkish liras.
• Businesses without a verified annual emission report could be fined between 1 million and 10 million liras.

Government’s Vision for a Climate-Resilient Economy

Explaining the motivation behind the proposal, AKP parliamentary head Abdullah Güler emphasized that climate change is a global challenge beyond political boundaries.

“Through this climate law, we aim to strengthen our cities’ adaptation to climate change, enhance economic resilience against climate-related risks, boost international competitiveness, and promote cleaner, more efficient production across all industries,” Güler stated.

The draft law will first be reviewed by the parliamentary committee next week, after which it will be forwarded to the general assembly for approval. If enacted, this legislation will mark a historic milestone in Türkiye’s climate strategy, aligning it with global sustainability goals.