The Invisible Side of Climate Policies: The Relationship Between Decarbonization and Poverty in Türkiye

The Invisible Side of Climate Policies: The Relationship Between Decarbonization and Poverty in Türkiye

According to the news published by T24 on October 22, 2025, Türkiye’s main focus in the fight against climate change is only on emission reduction. This approach creates a framework where the costs of looking at the climate crisis from a business and trade perspective are paid by society and nature.

During the United Nations Climate Summit in New York, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced Türkiye’s new climate commitments. However, this new target was criticized by climate experts and civil society organizations because it means a “reduction from increase” rather than an absolute reduction. According to Dr. Nuran Talu, who is known for her work on climate change, the biggest weakness of Türkiye’s climate commitments is the lack of effective and visionary adaptation actions.

The adaptation strategies in Türkiye’s climate policies do not sufficiently consider vulnerable groups such as those living in poverty, people with disabilities, migrants, and those affected by income inequality. However, the impacts of the climate crisis have the most destructive effects on these groups. Not only the state but also the business sector should consider issues such as disasters, business continuity, risk reduction, and loss and damage compensation, because employment is the key to reducing poverty. Yet, Türkiye’s main shortcoming in adaptation is focusing only on protecting the environment and preventing pollution, while neglecting the social dimension. An important point highlighted in the article is the need to address decarbonization and poverty together. If decarbonization policies are not compatible with the principle of social justice, climate change may become not only an environmental problem but also a social one.

Therefore, Türkiye’s climate policies should be transformed into a structure that increases social resilience, reduces income inequalities, and protects welfare. In conclusion, Türkiye needs not only to focus on emission reduction but also to strengthen its adaptation capacity and integrate social justice into climate policies.

News Link: T24. (22 Ekim 2025). İklime uyumun adı yok: Karbonsuzlaşma ve yoksullaşmayı birlikte ele almalıyız. Erişim adresi: https://t24.com.tr/yazarlar/iklim-masasi/iklime-uyumun-adi-yok-karbonsuzlasma-ve-yoksullasmayi-birlikte-ele-almaliyiz,52062