“Activists Critique Turkish Government’s Climate Bill for Prioritizing Profit Over Environmental Protection” – Stockholm Center for Freedom

A group of environmental organizations has kicked off a campaign against a new climate bill from Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). They believe the bill focuses more on profit than on protecting the environment, as reported by Turkish Minute.

This bill, introduced in parliament last month, aims to set up a carbon market board and an emissions trading system. It’s part of Turkey’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2053.

On February 24, the bill went before the parliamentary Environment Committee, which met two days later. Despite protests from opposition lawmakers and various civil society representatives, the committee approved the bill the same day. A full parliamentary vote is expected soon.

Critics argue that the bill, created with the help of the World Bank and various consultancy firms, has left out vital voices from environmental groups and the public. They claim it favors corporate interests over environmental and social justice.

Environmental activists feel the AKP’s proposal treats vital resources like air, land, and water as commodities. They argue it prioritizes the needs of large corporations instead of addressing the pressing climate crisis. They want lawmakers to reject the bill and instead create legislation that benefits both people and nature.

During discussions, opposition parties like the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the İYİ Party, and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party voiced dissenting opinions. The CHP stated the bill does little to address climate change, while DEM Party members labeled it an act of “ecocide.”

The Climate Justice Coalition, made up of 80 organizations, including the Chamber of Environmental Engineers, condemned the bill for allowing companies to “buy their way out of pollution.” This coalition is calling for a more equitable climate law that works with civil society.

They also pointed out that the bill fails to provide a clear timeline for phasing out coal and fossil fuels, as well as missing measures to end fossil fuel subsidies. Instead, they want science-based targets and strict regulations to prevent environmental and health hazards.

Meanwhile, the Ecology Union, encompassing 73 environmental organizations, hosted an online meeting to create an alternative plan called the “People’s Climate Law.” This proposal has received support from 113 organizations and over 5,000 individuals.

Activists are pushing for parliament to withdraw the current bill and develop a new plan that includes insights from scientists, environmentalists, and community groups. They insist that real climate legislation should focus on ecological health and social well-being rather than profits.

The “People’s Climate Law” emphasizes several key principles, such as placing nature and community welfare above corporate profits, providing a clear plan to phase out coal and fossil fuels, and ensuring public health and safety. It also calls for government accountability and strong oversight for environmental violations.

Transparency International Turkey has criticized the proposed climate law for its heavy focus on economic terms like “capital” and “green growth,” while neglecting crucial aspects of nature and ecology. They argue the bill lacks clear fossil fuel phase-out targets and suggests carbon offsetting practices that could weaken emissions reduction goals.

Even though the bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and coordinate climate policies, it could benefit from a greater emphasis on climate justice and environmental health.

Under the proposed emissions trading system (ETS), companies will need to obtain permits to engage in activities that release greenhouse gases. These allowances will be treated as market instruments, allowing the climate change department to generate funds for climate-friendly projects.

The carbon market board will oversee how these allowances are distributed and make related policy choices for the ETS.

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