Energy Utilization, Renewables and Climate Change Mitigation in Turkey

Abstract

The burning of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases (GHGs), especially CO 2 , possibly causing climate change. Environmentally friendly energy development has enormous implications for developing countries as major emitters due to their rapid economic and population growth. This paper presents an overview of Turkey's efforts to reduce GHG emissions by reforming energy pricing, promoting energy efficiency, and using renewable energy sources. With some possible options, the paper concludes that the reduction of emissions can only be achieved when policies are supportive and well targeted, standards and incentives are realistic and flexible, and the public is actively responsive to environmental degradation. Turkey's high rate of energy-related carbon emissions growth is expected to accelerate, with emissions climbing from 57 million tons in 2000 to almost 210 million tons in 2020. Carbon intensity in Turkey is higher than the western developed national average. Energy-intensive, inefficient industries remain under government control with soft budged constraints, contributing to undisciplined energy use in Turkey.

Global Warming and Hydropower in Turkey for a Clean and Sustainable Energy Future

“…On the other hand, international society will come to a common decision in Conference of Parties (COP) held annually where all participating countries are closely involved in decision making process. The countries in Convention's Appendix-1 list decided by Kyoto Protocol to be due between 2008 and 2012 will be forced to reduce total emission level of gases (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, HFCs) that have direct greenhouse effect 5% below the level in 1990 (Say, 2006;Yuksel, 2008a). However, more often than not, they are placed in a dilemma when left to balance between economic growth and environment.…”

“…The headlong pursuit of economic growth is the cornerstone of developing countries. A top Turkish environmental official accepted that economic growth must take precedence over environmental protection for years to come because the former is not only of great importance to maintaining political stability but also to funding the environmental clean-up (Yuksel, 2008a).…”

“…Many of these technologies focus on improving the efficiency of fossil fuel energy or electricity use and the development of low carbon energy sources, since the majority of GHG emissions are related to the use of energy. Energy intensity (energy consumed divided by gross domestic product, GDP) and carbon intensity (CO 2 emitted from burning fossil fuels divided by the amount of energy produced) have been declining for more than 100 years in developed countries without explicit government policies for decarbonization, and have the potential to decline further (IPCC, 2001;Yuksel, 2008a). Perhaps the most contentious issue is the conceptual framework for addressing climate change within a sustainable development mandate.…”

“…Impacts of climate change are exacerbated by development status, adversely affecting especially the poor and vulnerable socio-economic groups. The capacity to adapt to climate change goes beyond wealth, to other key pre-requisites of good development planning, including institutions, governance, economic management and technology (Kaygusuz, 2001;Yuksel, 2008a). Meanwhile, global warming and climate change poses an unprecedented threat to all human beings.…”

“…Climatic hazards continue to take their human and economic toll even in wealthy countries. Such climate threats, which undermine development prospects today, need to be better addressed in the context of the long-run evolution of local and regional climates (PEWCLIMATE, 2002;Yuksel, 2008a). Delivering sustainability demands that this access and security of supply be provided, while avoiding environmental impacts, which would compromise future social and economic development.…”