Türkiye’s Green Transformation: Carbon Markets and the 2053 Targets
Türkiye entered a new era in climate policy with the adoption of Climate Law No. 7552 by the Grand National Assembly on July 2, 2025, and its subsequent publication in the Official Gazette on July 9, 2025. This law provides both legal and economic instruments to support Türkiye’s 2053 net-zero emissions target.
Carbon Markets and International Trade
The Climate Law addresses not only national obligations but also the integration into global carbon markets. Globally, carbon credits have emerged as financial instruments used to offset emission amounts that companies or countries cannot reduce. These credits can be traded in international carbon markets, creating both revenue and cost advantages among countries.
This framework enables:
- Carbon emission trading, allowing countries to sell surplus allowances or purchase additional ones,
- Carbon export, by converting surplus emission reductions into credits and selling them to countries in need, creating a new economic domain.
Global carbon markets reached an estimated USD 950 billion in 2024. In this context, establishing Türkiye’s own Emissions Trading System (ETS) will both enhance international competitiveness and strengthen the financial infrastructure necessary to achieve the 2053 targets.
Türkiye’s 2053 Roadmap
To achieve its net-zero emissions goal, Türkiye is pursuing a multi-dimensional strategy:
- Gradual reduction of carbon emissions
- Active participation in national and international carbon markets
- Strengthening renewable energy and green finance mechanisms
- Developing infrastructure for low-carbon technologies in industry and transportation
- Establishing green certification, monitoring, and auditing systems
This roadmap is fully aligned with the 2053 net-zero emissions target, aiming to support economic growth while enhancing societal well-being.
Public Perception and Strategic Significance
The Climate Law is not merely an environmental regulation; it represents an economic and strategic initiative that remains underappreciated by the public. Social media platforms often circulate misleading claims, suggesting that the law will restrict individual lifestyles or impose a “global mandate.”
In reality, the law focuses on:
- Reducing industrial emissions,
- Strengthening water, air, and food security,
- Maintaining Türkiye’s competitiveness in the EU market.
Law No. 7552 thus stands out as a strategic and economic step in addition to its environmental dimension. Secondary legislation will provide crucial guidance for system implementation. Through transparent and fair enforcement, Türkiye can fulfill its international obligations and deliver the economic benefits of green transformation to society.
References (APA)
European Commission. (2024). EU ETS Reports
Fikir Turu. (2025)
Moral & Partners. (2025)
Nazalı Gündem. (2025)
Refinitiv. (2024). Carbon Market Year in Review 2024
World Bank. (2024). Carbon Pricing Dashboard 2024