- The Writer holds an MSc in Eurasian Political Economy & Energy from King’s College London and also an MA in European Studies from Sabancı University.
The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) held in Paris in 2015 was a major milestone in efforts to combat global warming. All North American and European countries, almost all African countries, two-thirds of Asian and Latin American countries and one-third of Middle Eastern countries submitted their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Under the COP21, Turkey pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 21 percent under the business-as-usual scenario between 2021 and 2030. With the aim of achieving the determined target, it was expected that Turkey would implement a plan to increase energy efficiency measures and to develop extra capacity in renewable energy, particularly in the field of wind, solar and hydroelectricity.
By accomplishing its efficiency target and building up renewable capacity, Turkey will be able to benefit from various funding opportunities after its COP 21 ratification. As Turkey was exempted from signing Annex II of COP 21 and was declared only part of Annex I countries, it could not avail of financial benefits that other developing countries enjoyed based on quantitative mitigation targets. However, following Turkey’s ratification of the agreement, various funding options will be made be available including the green climate fund founded during COP 16. As a unique global initiative, the green climate fund helps countries to adopt to the irrefutable impact of global warming with the help of multilaterally agreed funding which is expected to reach $100 billion by 2020.
A joint study published in 2016 by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) noted that Turkey’s energy-related carbon emissions increased dramatically to as high as 140 percent in comparison to 1990 levels. In 2014, power generation topped the lead in carbon increases, accounting for 43 percent, and other sectors such as transportation and industry followed with 19 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
The majority of the rise in carbon emissions was linked to fuel consumption during this period. When the fuel type was broken down to determine which fuels are responsible for the significant rise in CO2 emissions, coal came to the forefront with a volume of 43 percent, followed by natural gas at 30 percent and oil at 26 percent. Compared to 2008 levels, a major increase in carbon emissions was seen in the transportation sector, surging to 36 percent in 2014, followed by the energy sector with an increase of 32 percent. The report noted that per capita greenhouse gas emissions in Turkey were equal approximately to 4 tons of CO2 equivalent during this period, while the average volume of CO2 per person under the International Energy Agency member countries was 10.1 tons of CO2 equivalent.
Turkey’s submission of national climate pledges for COP 21 covers many sectors ranging from energy, transportation, agriculture, waste, forestry as well as buildings and industry.
The measures to be taken in the field of energy and transportation and other sectors are promising provided they are conducted on time. To meet its target of 21 percent reduction within the period of implementation from 2021 until 2030, Turkey aims to increase the capacity for power generation both from solar and wind power by 2030, by 10 gigawatts (GW) and 16 GW, respectively. Turkey also plans to cut transmission and distribution losses in the electricity sector by 15 percent and upgrade the infrastructure of power plants to improve overall energy efficiency. A National Strategy and Action Plan have been devised to expand overall energy efficiency.
As part of the country’s transportation agenda, Turkey aims to promote alternative fuel options and increase maritime and high-speed railway systems. Additionally, green airport projects, which encourage and promote power generation from renewables, along with the implementation of special taxation for more funding to expand renewable energy will top the agenda. Lastly, to scrap old vehicles from circulation, further incentives will be provided to contribute to overall emissions cut particularly for freight and passenger transportation.
The General Directorate of Environmental Management operating under the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (MEU) is responsible for coordination and implementing policies to mitigate international obligations on climate change. Additionally, the Coordination Board on Climate Change and Air Management established back in 2004, with governmental and industry representatives, is responsible for communicating and collaborating with related international institutions such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Non-governmental organizations (NGO), academia as well as related associations have given opportunities to oppose decisions made under the Coordination Board.
Following on from COP 21, with the aim of meeting a 21 percent reduction target in carbon emissions submitted at the Paris Agreement, Turkey needs to have a long-term low-carbon based economic approach while ensuring that government policies are aligned with adaptation and mitigation targets. To this end, the close cooperation and proactive engagement of the government with all key stakeholders and industry leaders is of vital importance to secure the required financing, capacity building and technological improvements that are necessary to fight the irreversible impact of global warming.
- Opinions expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Anadolu Agency's editorial policy.