NET ZERO EMISSION IN TRANSPORTATION
Net Zero Emissions refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by carbon offsetting and mitigation strategies. Therefore, it does not mean eliminating all direct emissions but rather balancing the carbon dioxide released.
Therefore, it is referred to as 'net zero' rather than 'zero'. Since the transport sector accounts for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, actions taken in this area will play a crucial role in achieving net zero emissions targets.
In addition, the transport sector is among the key areas that can deliver the fastest and most effective solutions by focusing on carbon emission reduction and green transformation. Strategies such as the widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles (electric, hydrogen, etc.), promotion of public transport systems and active mobility modes, and the use of renewable energy are among the most effective ways to reduce emissions in the transport sector.
Therefore, it is referred to as 'net zero' rather than 'zero'. Since the transport sector accounts for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, actions taken in this area will play a crucial role in achieving net zero emissions targets.
In addition, the transport sector is among the key areas that can deliver the fastest and most effective solutions by focusing on carbon emission reduction and green transformation. Strategies such as the widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles (electric, hydrogen, etc.), promotion of public transport systems and active mobility modes, and the use of renewable energy are among the most effective ways to reduce emissions in the transport sector.
Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement aims to hold the global temperature rise to well below 2°C, or to limit the increase to 1.5°C if possible, above pre-industrial levels.
Why Aim for 1.5 Degrees?
Scientific research (IPCC) indicates that a temperature rise of more than 2°C will result in irreversible impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity. A 1.5°C increase is the maximum threshold set to avoid climate disasters, ecosystem collapse, and widespread natural calamities. Stabilizing global temperatures below this limit is crucial to minimizing risks.
Why Aim for 1.5 Degrees?
Scientific research (IPCC) indicates that a temperature rise of more than 2°C will result in irreversible impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity. A 1.5°C increase is the maximum threshold set to avoid climate disasters, ecosystem collapse, and widespread natural calamities. Stabilizing global temperatures below this limit is crucial to minimizing risks.
The Paris Agreement is a global treaty adopted in 2015 to address climate change. Its main objective is to hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and, if possible, to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C by reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
This agreement calls for all countries to contribute to addressing climate change based on the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities". The transport sector is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, and its share continues to grow.
Therefore, the transport sector is crucial to meeting the targets set by the Paris Agreement.
This agreement calls for all countries to contribute to addressing climate change based on the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities". The transport sector is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, and its share continues to grow.
Therefore, the transport sector is crucial to meeting the targets set by the Paris Agreement.
EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL
A Climate-Neutral Continent by 2050!
Launched in 2019, the Green Deal outlines comprehensive strategies to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable development, and protect the environment across sectors including energy, transport, agriculture, and industry.
Launched in 2019, the Green Deal outlines comprehensive strategies to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable development, and protect the environment across sectors including energy, transport, agriculture, and industry.
The Transport Sector
accounts for 25% of the EU's total carbon emissions. The Green Deal provides solutions for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport sector. To achieve this, numerous steps are being taken, ranging from electric vehicles and railway investments to alternative fuels and environmentally friendly technologies!
accounts for 25% of the EU's total carbon emissions. The Green Deal provides solutions for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport sector. To achieve this, numerous steps are being taken, ranging from electric vehicles and railway investments to alternative fuels and environmentally friendly technologies!
Aligned with the 2053 Net Zero Emission target, Türkiye is implementing green transformation projects across sectors such as energy, transport, and industry. Reducing fossil fuel use, providing incentives for renewable energy projects, and implementing sustainable transport solutions are the foundation of this transformation.
Türkiye is Moving Towards Sustainable Solutions in Transport!
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles:
A significant step has been taken with TOGG production, while investments in charging infrastructure continue to grow rapidly. - Electric Public Transport:
Electric bus projects have been launched in Ankara and İzmir. - Strengthening the Railway:
The share of rail transport is being boosted with high-speed train investments. - Environmentally Friendly Solutions on Highways:
Energy efficiency measures and incentives for environmentally friendly fuels are being implemented. - Aviation and Maritime:
Carbon emissions are reduced through ICAO CORSIA, and renewable energy is promoted in ports. - Financing Programs:
Projects supported by EU IPA funds and the World Bank are being implemented.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
The transport sector is one of the largest contributors to our carbon footprint, accounting for approximately 21% of global carbon emissions.
Türkiye is taking crucial steps to minimize this impact:
Türkiye is taking crucial steps to minimize this impact:
- Railway investments are being expanded.
- Electric vehicle usage is being promoted.
- Public transport is being promoted, and bicycle lanes are being expanded.
Sustainable Transport for the Future!
Sustainable transport not only safeguards the environment but also offers economic and social benefits.
Türkiye, in line with these targets:
Sustainable transport not only safeguards the environment but also offers economic and social benefits.
Türkiye, in line with these targets:
- Expands public transport with electric buses and trams.
- Encourages environmentally friendly transport by promoting bicycle lanes.
- Continue to reduce carbon emissions in long-distance transport through railway investments.
Türkiye's ROADMAP FOR TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
Today, the negative impacts of climate change are increasingly being felt. Events such as extreme heat waves, heavy rainfall, melting of glaciers, floods and droughts are increasing both regionally and globally. The most important reason for this situation is the rapid increase in greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere by the intensive use of fossil fuels since the industrial revolution. This increase has caused the average global temperature to rise by about 1.1°C from 1850 to 2020. If the current trend continues, the temperature increase is expected to reach 3°C by the end of this century.
Combating climate change is an issue that requires global cooperation. In this context, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in 1992, the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015. The Paris Agreement is a milestone that sets concrete targets to limit the global temperature rise. The Agreement sets emission reduction targets of 45% by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. In addition, countries parties are required to regularly update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and are invited to prepare long-term net zero emission strategies. As of 2023, 153 out of 195 countries party to the Paris Agreement have updated their NDCs. 75 countries have submitted their long-term net zero emission strategies to the UNFCCC Secretariat.
Türkiye became a party to the UNFCCC in 2004 and continued its efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change within the framework of the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”. In 2021, by becoming a party to the Paris Agreement and announcing the 2053 Net Zero Emission Target, Türkiye once again emphasized its determination on this issue and efforts to combat climate change gained momentum. This target was announced on September 27, 2021 together with the green development revolution.
Parties to the Paris Agreement are obliged to submit their NDCs to the UNFCCC every five years, each time with more ambitious mitigation targets (and optionally climate change adaptation targets). In this context, Türkiye submitted its First Updated National Contribution to the UNFCCC on April 13, 2023. Türkiye has committed to reduce its GHG emissions by 41% by 2030 compared to the baseline scenario (695 Mt CO2 equivalent in 2030). Türkiye's updated First Nationally Determined Contribution is economy-wide and includes comprehensive mitigation and adaptation actions as well as implementation tools.
All these developments are a step towards achieving net zero emissions by 2053.
Combating climate change is an issue that requires global cooperation. In this context, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in 1992, the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015. The Paris Agreement is a milestone that sets concrete targets to limit the global temperature rise. The Agreement sets emission reduction targets of 45% by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. In addition, countries parties are required to regularly update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and are invited to prepare long-term net zero emission strategies. As of 2023, 153 out of 195 countries party to the Paris Agreement have updated their NDCs. 75 countries have submitted their long-term net zero emission strategies to the UNFCCC Secretariat.
Türkiye became a party to the UNFCCC in 2004 and continued its efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change within the framework of the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”. In 2021, by becoming a party to the Paris Agreement and announcing the 2053 Net Zero Emission Target, Türkiye once again emphasized its determination on this issue and efforts to combat climate change gained momentum. This target was announced on September 27, 2021 together with the green development revolution.
Parties to the Paris Agreement are obliged to submit their NDCs to the UNFCCC every five years, each time with more ambitious mitigation targets (and optionally climate change adaptation targets). In this context, Türkiye submitted its First Updated National Contribution to the UNFCCC on April 13, 2023. Türkiye has committed to reduce its GHG emissions by 41% by 2030 compared to the baseline scenario (695 Mt CO2 equivalent in 2030). Türkiye's updated First Nationally Determined Contribution is economy-wide and includes comprehensive mitigation and adaptation actions as well as implementation tools.
All these developments are a step towards achieving net zero emissions by 2053.
CLIMATE COUNCIL AND ROADMAP
In line with 2053 goals, Türkiye's first Climate Council
It was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change on 21-25 February 2022. The Council, which was attended by approximately 5,000 participants from the public and private sectors, universities, civil society organizations and youth, created a roadmap to guide Türkiye's climate policies. Out of 217 recommendations identified at the Council, 76 were prioritized and these decisions formed the basis for the preparation of the Climate Law, the National Contribution Declaration and other strategy documents.
It was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change on 21-25 February 2022. The Council, which was attended by approximately 5,000 participants from the public and private sectors, universities, civil society organizations and youth, created a roadmap to guide Türkiye's climate policies. Out of 217 recommendations identified at the Council, 76 were prioritized and these decisions formed the basis for the preparation of the Climate Law, the National Contribution Declaration and other strategy documents.
ADVANCES IN LEGISLATION AND PLANNING
Türkiye has established a comprehensive legislative and strategy infrastructure to combat climate change:
Climate Law: Legislation determining emission mitigation and climate adaptation policies is in progress.
2. Development Plans: The 12th Development Plan (2024-2028) lists reducing GHG emissions and strengthening adaptation actions as priority measures.
3. Medium Term Program (MTP) 2024-2026: It includes policies aiming to accelerate the green transformation process, increase competitiveness and benefit from international financing sources.
With the October 29, 2021 Presidential Decree, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization was restructured as the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and the Climate Change Presidency was tasked with coordinating climate policies at national and international level.
Climate Law: Legislation determining emission mitigation and climate adaptation policies is in progress.
2. Development Plans: The 12th Development Plan (2024-2028) lists reducing GHG emissions and strengthening adaptation actions as priority measures.
3. Medium Term Program (MTP) 2024-2026: It includes policies aiming to accelerate the green transformation process, increase competitiveness and benefit from international financing sources.
With the October 29, 2021 Presidential Decree, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization was restructured as the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and the Climate Change Presidency was tasked with coordinating climate policies at national and international level.
Moving Towards 2053
Türkiye continues to move forward with a low-carbon, climate-resilient development approach in line with the 2053 Net Zero Emission Target. Combating climate change is not only an environmental imperative but also an opportunity to put Türkiye's economic and social development on a sustainable basis.
Türkiye continues to move forward with a low-carbon, climate-resilient development approach in line with the 2053 Net Zero Emission Target. Combating climate change is not only an environmental imperative but also an opportunity to put Türkiye's economic and social development on a sustainable basis.
OVERVIEW OF CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2024-2030)
The Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (CCMAP) covering 2024-2030 is Türkiye's comprehensive roadmap for combating climate change and achieving the 2053 Net Zero Emission Target. It has been prepared in line with the Twelfth Development Plan, Medium Term Program and Türkiye's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and includes strategic priorities and actions to support sustainable development while mitigating climate change impacts.
Prepared under the leadership of the Climate Change Presidency with contributions from the public-private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals, CCMSAP sets out a scientific and integrated approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The plan includes 49 strategies and 260 actions to be implemented in key sectors such as energy, industry, buildings, transportation, waste management, agriculture and land use/forestry. It also addresses carbon pricing mechanisms and a just transition process that is inclusive of all segments of society.
The main features of IDCSAP are as follows:
- A shared vision that mobilizes national and global efforts to combat climate change.
- A focus on inter-agency collaboration and expert input to design effective and implementable policies.
- An emphasis on ensuring sustainable economic growth while taking climate challenges into account.
IDASAP is an important document that demonstrates Türkiye's commitment to climate change and shows Türkiye's commitment to a sustainable future with inclusive, forward-looking and strong strategies.
Prepared under the leadership of the Climate Change Presidency with contributions from the public-private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals, CCMSAP sets out a scientific and integrated approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The plan includes 49 strategies and 260 actions to be implemented in key sectors such as energy, industry, buildings, transportation, waste management, agriculture and land use/forestry. It also addresses carbon pricing mechanisms and a just transition process that is inclusive of all segments of society.
The main features of IDCSAP are as follows:
- A shared vision that mobilizes national and global efforts to combat climate change.
- A focus on inter-agency collaboration and expert input to design effective and implementable policies.
- An emphasis on ensuring sustainable economic growth while taking climate challenges into account.
IDASAP is an important document that demonstrates Türkiye's commitment to climate change and shows Türkiye's commitment to a sustainable future with inclusive, forward-looking and strong strategies.
The Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan, prepared in line with Türkiye's 2053 Net Zero Emission Target, aims to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector and all other sectors and build a more sustainable future.
Strategic Targets in the Transportation Sector
1. Transportation Mode Shift: Less Carbon, More Efficient Transportation
Transition from road and air transport to maritime and rail transport is encouraged.
Logistics centers, ports and industrial zones are strengthened with rail connections and inter-modal transportation solutions are developed.
2. Expansion of Public Transport and Micromobility: More accessible and more environmentally friendly Urban rail systems (metro, tram, light rail) are being expanded to increase the attractiveness of public transportation.
Micromobility solutions such as bicycles and e-scooters are supported, making public transportation
complementary systems are being strengthened.
3. Transition to Clean Energy and Electrification: Fuels of the Future
Charging infrastructure is being developed to popularize the use of electric vehicles.
Alternative fuels (biofuels, hydrogen and CNG) are encouraged to promote low-carbon transportation.
4. Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure: More Resilient, More Future-Oriented
Intelligent transportation systems are implemented to prevent traffic congestion.
Urban mobility and logistics plans are prepared and data-based solutions are developed to reduce carbon emissions. A sustainable transportation infrastructure that meets both today's and future demand will be created.
Strategic Targets in the Transportation Sector
1. Transportation Mode Shift: Less Carbon, More Efficient Transportation
Transition from road and air transport to maritime and rail transport is encouraged.
Logistics centers, ports and industrial zones are strengthened with rail connections and inter-modal transportation solutions are developed.
2. Expansion of Public Transport and Micromobility: More accessible and more environmentally friendly Urban rail systems (metro, tram, light rail) are being expanded to increase the attractiveness of public transportation.
Micromobility solutions such as bicycles and e-scooters are supported, making public transportation
complementary systems are being strengthened.
3. Transition to Clean Energy and Electrification: Fuels of the Future
Charging infrastructure is being developed to popularize the use of electric vehicles.
Alternative fuels (biofuels, hydrogen and CNG) are encouraged to promote low-carbon transportation.
4. Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure: More Resilient, More Future-Oriented
Intelligent transportation systems are implemented to prevent traffic congestion.
Urban mobility and logistics plans are prepared and data-based solutions are developed to reduce carbon emissions. A sustainable transportation infrastructure that meets both today's and future demand will be created.
How are the Actions Realized?
Within the scope of the Plan, transportation systems are made more efficient with both public and private sector cooperation.
Innovative technologies and sustainable policies are implemented to achieve emission reduction targets.
Why is it important?
The transportation sector has a significant share in greenhouse gas emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels.
This plan aims to reduce the sector's carbon footprint, promote environmentally friendly transportation and
aims to build more livable cities.
Within the scope of the Plan, transportation systems are made more efficient with both public and private sector cooperation.
Innovative technologies and sustainable policies are implemented to achieve emission reduction targets.
Why is it important?
The transportation sector has a significant share in greenhouse gas emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels.
This plan aims to reduce the sector's carbon footprint, promote environmentally friendly transportation and
aims to build more livable cities.