Turkey’s New Climate Law

Turkey has officially passed its long-anticipated Climate Law, signaling a significant shift in national environmental governance. This law is more than just legislation—it is a strategic pivot aligning Turkey with global climate goals and sustainability standards. But this transition didn't happen overnight. Understanding the context behind the delay offers insight into the complexities of international climate politics and national economic priorities.

Why Turkey Delayed Ratifying the Paris Agreement

When the Paris Agreement was introduced in 2015, Turkey refrained from ratifying it. The core of the hesitation lay in Turkey’s classification as a "developed country" under the agreement. This status excluded Turkey from climate financing and technology transfers typically extended to developing nations.
From Turkey’s perspective, the classification was inequitable. Despite rapid growth, the country’s historic greenhouse gas emissions were significantly lower than those of industrialized nations. The label meant Turkey would be expected to contribute financially to climate change mitigation efforts, a responsibility it argued should be more proportionally shared. As a result, legislative progress was stalled for several years.

A breakthrough occurred in 2021 when Turkey successfully negotiated a change in its status to that of a developing country. This diplomatic achievement unlocked access to international climate funds and support tools that had previously been inaccessible. This reclassification cleared the path for ratifying the Paris Agreement and developing domestic legislation aligned with its principles.

The EU’s Economic Pressure using new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

The real accelerant, however, came from outside Turkey’s borders. The European Union is rolling out the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a policy requiring detailed carbon footprint disclosures for all imports into the EU. This mechanism effectively imposes a carbon cost on products from countries with less stringent climate policies.
Given that nearly 50% of Turkey’s exports are destined for European markets, failing to align with EU standards could have drastically undermined Turkish industry competitiveness. This economic reality served as a critical turning point, transforming climate action from an environmental concern into a trade imperative.
Turkey’s decision to enact its Climate Law reflects more than environmental consciousness, it demonstrates long-term economic foresight. In a global economy increasingly prioritizing sustainability, low-carbon manufacturing, and environmental transparency, falling behind on climate policy means falling behind economically. Turkey’s new law positions the country as a credible, competitive player in international markets where net-zero commitments and green supply chains are becoming non-negotiable.

The United States and the Paris Agreement

To understand how political and economic interests influence environmental decisions, the United States offers a telling example. Initially a signatory under the Obama administration, the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2020 under President Trump. The justification? Concerns over economic burden and perceived unfair disadvantages to U.S. industries—especially in sectors like fossil fuels and mining.
However, under President Biden, the U.S. rejoined in 2021, citing not only climate urgency but also global leadership and economic positioning.
This back-and-forth reveals a critical tension - while environmental responsibility is increasingly urgent, short-term economic interests and lobbying pressures often complicate long-term climate commitments. While not unique to any one nation, such policy reversals underscore the fragile balance between environmental stewardship and national economic strategies.

Climate Policy is Now Trade Policy

Turkey’s adoption of a Climate Law is not an isolated act, it is a strategic alignment with evolving global expectations. What was once perceived as a burden is now an essential step for maintaining economic relevance. As the world edges toward more rigorous climate accountability, nations can no longer afford to delay action.
This development illustrates a broader shift, environmental policy is no longer just about nature, it is about economics, diplomacy, and global competitiveness. Turkey’s example may serve as a blueprint for other emerging economies navigating similar crossroads.