Pursuing Sustainable Development Goals
Combating Climate Change in Türki̇ye: Integration of Market-Based Instruments to the Environmental Policy
Billur Engin BalınClimate change is regarded as humanity’s “code red” warning, posing a significant threat to the planet and negatively impacting various aspects of life. The international community has recognised the urgency of addressing this issue since the 1970s, as evident in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13, which emphasises integrating climate change measures into national policies and strategies. Türkiye faces significant impacts from climate change, including droughts, floods, and extreme weather events that strain its natural resources. Despite some efforts in regulations and action plans, the country’s greenhouse gas emissions have more than doubled since 1990, driven by rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and population growth, raising concerns. This chapter aims to discuss the necessary steps within the framework of environmental policy measures in Türkiye to address the urgent action mentioned in the goal. Implementing market-based instruments in Türkiye is being evaluated in line with this objective. The key priority areas for Türkiye’s environmental policy and market-based instruments should target the electricity, industry, and transport sectors, major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Mitigating emissions requires increasing renewable energy in the electricity sector, improving industrial efficiency, and promoting sustainable transportation practices.
