The Climate Law, which marks a turning point in Turkey’s fight against climate change, was published in the Official Gazette on July 9, 2025, and entered into force.
The Climate Law provides a comprehensive legal framework covering many areas, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change, planning tools to be developed in this regard, financing models, and permitting and inspection mechanisms.
The law also introduces key concepts that will shape Turkey’s climate policies into the legal framework. Concepts such as just transition, emissions trading system (ETS), offsetting, and climate justice have been incorporated into legislation for the first time with this law. Furthermore, the fundamental principles of Turkey’s future climate strategies have also been defined through this legal regulation
Fundamental Principles Of The Climate Law
- Equality: Fair and equal treatment for all stakeholders.
- Progress: Steady and determined progress towards climate goals.
- Just Transition: Supporting groups affected by climate transformation.
- Transparency: Open, traceable, and accountable processes in all climate actions.
- Sustainability: Continuity and preservation in planning and implementation.
- Climate Justice: Fair distribution of impacts and ensuring balance.
- Precaution: A careful, diligent, and preventive approach in policy implementation.
- Participation: Inclusion of all segments and fostering cooperation.
- Integration: Harmonious implementation of climate policies across all sectors.
The law foresees the establishment of Provincial Climate Change Coordination Boards that will operate in each province. The main duty of these boards will be to prepare Local Climate Change Action Plans tailored to the conditions of each province and to ensure the effective implementation of these plans. These plans must be implemented by December 31, 2027, at the latest. However, the Ministry holds the authority to extend this deadline by up to one year if necessary.
Sectoral Transformation
The Climate Law is not only an environmental regulation but also sets forth a vision for sectoral transformation that will impact the entire Turkish economy. The key areas highlighted in this context can be summarized as follows:
- Environment and Waste Management: Transformation focused on zero waste practices and energy efficiency
- Energy Sector: Promotion of renewable energy sources and energy storage solutions
- Agriculture: Implementation of monitoring and early warning systems against climate risks
- Carbon Sinks: Forest management, afforestation, and expansion of natural sink areas
- Industry: Transition to efficiency, sustainable production, and low-carbon technologies
- Transportation: Prioritization of rail and maritime transport, and expansion of electric vehicles
Although the law provides a strong framework aligned with global climate goals, there have been some criticisms regarding its feasibility. The implementation details will largely become clear with the secondary regulations to be issued.
In conclusion, bringing Turkey’s climate change goals into a legal framework constitutes a significant step towards establishing a long-term and inclusive climate policy.
