What is Turkey doing to stop climate change?

AS ONE OF the countries that will be affected the most by global climate change, Turkey has been initiating various programs to mobilize not only the public but public offices as well. In the fight against global climate change, energy is the key. Instead of using fossil fuels, Turkey has put weight behind the use of sustainable energy. Within the scope of the “National Sustainable Energy Action Plan,” the share of sustainable energy in energy production in Turkey exceeded that of fossil fuels. While electricity production from sustainable energy resources was 34 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2002, it increased by 168 percent and reached 91 billion kWh in 2016.

Also, Ankara has mobilized to rebuild big cities with “passive buildings,” where energy and water efficiency will be key. Since 2017, all the buildings in Turkey have to receive a “green building” certificate to be built.

Waste management, especially in cities, also plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Within the scope of the “National Waste Management Ac- tion Plan,” Turkey manages to recycle more than half of the plastic bottles that are produced in the country. Moreover, by 2023, the government plans to spend TL 22 billion ($3.68 billion) on recycling facilities. Starting next year, Turkey will also charge customers for each plastic bag in order to lessen their usage and circulation.