-
21 March 2025
Director of Climate Change Prof. Hasar participated in a webinar organized by the Integrated Reporting Türkiye (ERTA). Addressing the impacts of climate change and the Climate Law, which is expected to be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Director Hasar provided participants with an in-depth overview of the provisions of the draft legislation and its anticipated implications for Türkiye’s sustainable development pathway.
Speaking at the webinar, which was organized at the invitation of ERTA Board Chair Prof. Güler Aras and attended by more than 600 participants, Director Hasar said, “Every institution is working on climate change, yet, like a ship in a storm without a captain, it is often unclear where these efforts are headed. The Climate Law will establish coordination. This is why; this Law is essential for achieving realistic targets.”
Touching on the scope of the Climate Law and addressing public concerns that have circulated in recent debates, Director Hasar highlighted the following points:
“The Climate Law does not restrict freedoms”
With the enactment of the Climate Law, public awareness of climate issues will increase. The Climate Law does not impose sanctions on citizens. Claims such as “we will be confined to our homes,” “the law will introduce bans,” “penalties will be imposed,” and “food security will be jeopardized” are unfounded. There are no such provisions in the Climate Law. The Climate Law does not restrict freedoms. Rather, it mandates the protection of water resources and promotes organic agriculture. We are working to leave a more livable world to future generations.
“Green Growth is a development drive.”
The “Green Growth” referred to in the Climate Law does not merely mean planting trees. Green growth is, in essence, a development drive. To combat climate change effectively, we must accelerate industry’s transition to cleaner technologies. Green Growth plays a critical role in this process. We seek broader access to preferential credit facilities. This is where the green taxonomy comes to the forefront. Investors will be required to demonstrate whether their investments qualify as green, clean, and environmentally responsible. Green taxonomy methodologies will be integrated into both national and international financial flows. Climate finance and incentive mechanisms are also of vital importance. We are working to establish a comprehensive incentive framework. Through the projects we implement, we mobilize substantial international financing, thereby supporting local administrations through grant schemes.
“The Climate Law will ensure coordination”
Local administrations will develop local climate change action plans. All institutions across the country, together with local governments and society at large, must act collectively to build a cleaner and more livable world. Our legacy to future generations must be a more livable world.