Economical prospects associated with green transitions significantly expand for Turkey, according to the head of the United Nations' climate change body.
In a recent visit to Turkey, Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change, highlighted the country's progress in its green transition. Stiell met with Turkish civil society, business leaders, and government ministers to discuss the nation's ambitious climate targets and the steps needed to achieve them.
Stiell pointed out that the commitments made through Turkey's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are for the betterment of households, businesses, and ordinary citizens. He noted that transitioning away from fossil fuels towards renewables could lead to energy savings of up to $3 billion per year for Turkey.
The UNFCCC process, despite appearing abstract, is the only space where close to 200 countries come together with the single aim of solving the climate crisis, Stiell explained. He emphasised that if all signatory countries of the Paris Agreement deliver on their commitments, we then stand a good chance of attacking the climate crisis.
Turkey's green transition offers significant future economic potential. The country's revised NDC commits to a 41% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to business-as-usual, aims to peak emissions by 2038 at the latest, and targets net zero emissions by 2053. The implementation of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and carbon pricing is expected to incentivize low-carbon innovation and create jobs in clean energy sectors while helping align Turkey with global green investment trends.
Energy security is another key benefit of Turkey's green transition. The transition targets increased energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources. While utilities face challenges in grid management and compliance, recent investigations into power companies indicate ongoing operational adjustments.
Stiell also emphasized that reducing Turkey's carbon footprint could open new markets, such as the EU, one of Turkey's major export markets. In the first half of 2025, Turkey's exports to the EU reached $57.7 billion. Lower costs of energy and manufacturing due to renewable energy could increase Turkey's economic competitiveness.
The third generation of national climate plans (NDCs) due from all countries this year under the Paris Agreement will be distinguishing, Stiell noted. He emphasised that strong climate plans from all countries this year are entirely in every country's and every economy's own interests. Stiell stated that the world is at a tipping point, with accelerated climate impacts being observed globally, and the actions taken by the global community were not sufficient nor adequately fast enough. However, he also noted that progress was being made, and some countries have started to lead with their actions.
In summary, Turkey’s green transition is formally underway with ambitious climate targets backed by new legislation and market mechanisms. This creates promising opportunities for economic growth, job creation in green sectors, and enhanced energy security toward a carbon-neutral future by 2053. However, practical challenges in sectoral compliance and infrastructure modernization remain to be managed.
- Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change, indicated that Turkey's green transition could result in energy savings of up to $3 billion annually.
- Stiell met with Turkish government ministers, business leaders, and civil society to talk about the nation's ambitious climate targets and the steps necessary to achieve them.
- Turkey's updated NDC aims for a 41% reduction in emissions by 2030, peak emissions by 2038 at the latest, and net zero emissions by 2053.
- Stiell highlighted that the implementation of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and carbon pricing could incentivize low-carbon innovation and create jobs in clean energy sectors.
- Stiell pointed out that reducing Turkey's carbon footprint could open new markets, such as the EU, one of Turkey's primary export markets.
- Stiell stated that the third generation of national climate plans (NDCs) this year under the Paris Agreement are crucial, as the world is at a tipping point with climate impacts being observed globally.
- The green transition in Turkey offers significant future economic potential and positions the country to align with global green investment trends.
- The UNFCCC process offers a general news platform for close to 200 countries to collaborate with the common goal of resolving the climate crisis, according to Stiell.
