Activists Condemn Turkey’s New Climate Bill: A Step Toward Commercializing Environmental Destruction

A group of environmental organizations in Turkey is taking a stand against a new climate bill proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). They argue that the bill prioritizes business interests over genuine environmental protection by treating aspects of nature like air, water, and land as commodities.

This bill aims to establish a carbon market and an emissions trading system under the Environment Ministry’s climate change department. It is part of Turkey’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2053. The bill was presented to the parliamentary Environment Committee on February 24, and despite concerns voiced by opposition lawmakers and civil society representatives, it was swiftly approved. A full parliamentary vote is expected soon.

Critics point out that the bill was created without input from environmental groups, focusing instead on corporate gain. Activists claim that it allows big companies to pay to pollute, rather than taking real steps to combat climate change. They urge lawmakers to reject this approach and create policies that benefit both the environment and the people.

Several political parties, including the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), expressed their dissent during committee discussions. The CHP emphasized that the bill does little to fulfill climate commitments. The DEM called it an act of “ecocide.”

The Climate Justice Coalition, made up of 80 organizations, criticized the bill for enabling pollution through financial means rather than addressing the issue directly. They advocate for a law that genuinely protects the environment and involves public participation.

Furthermore, environmental groups are working on an alternative called the “People’s Climate Law.” This proposal focuses on real climate action and has already gathered support from over 5,000 individuals and more than 113 organizations. Activists argue for a transparent legislative process that incorporates feedback from scientists, local communities, and environmentalists.

The core principles of the “People’s Climate Law” include putting nature and community health first, phasing out coal and fossil fuels, and ensuring a fair transition for workers affected by these changes. It also emphasizes gender equality in climate initiatives and government accountability.

Transparency International Turkey has also weighed in, highlighting the bill’s heavy focus on economic terms rather than environmental ones. They suggest that greater attention to climate justice could enhance the bill’s effectiveness.

While the draft aims to coordinate national and local climate policies and support green technologies, critics believe it falls short in ensuring environmental health. Companies involved in the proposed emissions trading system will need permits for their greenhouse gas emissions, which can be bought and sold as capital market instruments.

The carbon market board will manage these emissions trading systems, yet many advocates are calling for more substantial measures that prioritize actual emissions reductions over financial transactions. The conversation around this bill continues, as activists push for a truly sustainable and equitable approach to climate legislation in Turkey.

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