By TurkNews Staff
July 2, 2025 | Ankara
Türkiye’s Grand National Assembly has passed the country’s first comprehensive climate law, marking a significant policy shift aimed at addressing the growing risks of climate change. The legislation introduces a legal foundation for emissions regulation, carbon trading, and climate-related planning at both national and local levels.
The law is a key step in aligning with Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emission and Green Development goals, as outlined by government officials. It establishes a national Emissions Trading System (ETS), strengthens the powers of the Directorate of Climate Change (DCC), and sets a regulatory roadmap for businesses, public institutions, and local administrations.
Key Provisions
Under the new framework, companies falling within the ETS scope must acquire greenhouse gas emission permits within three years. A pilot phase will precede the full rollout, with the Carbon Market Board overseeing implementation. During this phase, penalties for noncompliance will be reduced by 80%.
Administrative fines include:
- TL 120,000 for failure to register climate projects in the national carbon credit registry by deadlines set by the DCC.
- Up to TL 2 million for individuals and TL 20 million for legal entities found to be manipulating the energy market, under updated provisions in the Electricity Market Law.
The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) will supervise ETS-related activities within the energy sector.
The law also authorizes the DCC to monitor compliance, carry out inspections with other relevant ministries, and enforce administrative penalties under the existing Misdemeanors Law.
Planning Deadlines and Local Responsibilities
- All national and local climate strategies and implementation plans must be completed by December 31, 2027.
- Extensions may be granted by presidential decree or the Environment Ministry.
Local authorities are required to prepare climate action plans addressing risks to ecosystems, biodiversity, and vulnerable areas, including coastal and agricultural zones.
Each city will be tasked with creating its own localized strategy in coordination with provincial and regional representatives.
Financing and Institutional Structure
The legislation promotes the development of climate finance mechanisms, including green investment tools, sustainable capital markets, and insurance products. It mandates the creation of a Turkish Green Taxonomy, designed to classify and guide environmentally sustainable investments.
The DCC is also expected to issue sectoral reports, introduce climate-related incentives, and manage the national registry of carbon credits.
Addressing Public Concerns
In response to widespread misinformation circulating on social media, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has clarified that:
- No carbon tax will be imposed on individuals.
- Carbon footprint regulations apply exclusively to industrial producers, not private citizens.
- Agricultural activities and animal husbandry will not be banned; the law seeks to protect them from climate threats.
- Coal and oil use will not be banned entirely but will be reduced gradually in favor of renewable energy sources.
Officials stressed that the law does not infringe on constitutional rights, such as property ownership or freedom of movement.
Background
Türkiye ratified the Paris Climate Agreement in 2021 and has since committed to aligning domestic environmental policy with global standards. The newly passed legislation is seen as a key instrument in fulfilling its international obligations while adapting policies to its own national development goals.
As climate impacts grow more visible across Türkiye—through droughts, floods, and rising temperatures—this law represents a structural shift in the country’s long-term environmental governance.
