COP28: Turkey urgently needs to lower its emissions by 2030 and start mitigation in line with Turkey’s 2053 net zero vision

Dubai, 1 December 2023 – Following the recent declaration by the Turkish delegation at COP28, explicitly opposing the phasing down or phase-out of fossil fuels and resisting any progress beyond the agreements reached in Glasgow, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, in collaboration with local civil society, reiterates its plea for Turkey to seize the moment in Dubai.

Drawing upon a series of scientific reports, CAN Europe and local climate organisations in Turkey have persistently called for a 35% absolute reduction in emissions by 2030, and for urgent implementation of mitigation measures. This call, reinforced by findings in the Istanbul Policy Center’s (IPC) latest report presented at COP28, aligns  with Turkey’s ambitious 2053 net-zero vision.

CAN Europe Policy Officer for Turkey Elif Cansu Ilhan, reiterated: “We urge Turkey to advocate for steeper emission reductions, recognising the role it can play in shaping a responsible and sustainable future towards a just transition where no one is left behind. COP28 is the occasion to pledge such commitments and step up action”.

However, during discussions surrounding a global fossil fuel phase-out at COP28, regrettably, the Turkish delegation unequivocally opposed this objective. The Turkish government needs to refrain from obstructing such a global target, as its continued opposition would constitute a clear setback in Turkey’s decarbonisation efforts and a setback to its just energy transition. CAN Europe urges Turkey to actively contribute to global efforts towards a just transition.