Carbon Free Zones & Türkiye’s Initiatives
The world is thinking about carbon-free zones for several reasons. These include:
- The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Carbon-free zones can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Climate change is a major threat to the planet, and it is important to take steps to reduce emissions.
- The desire to improve air quality: Carbon-free zones can also help to improve air quality by reducing air pollution from vehicles and other sources. Air pollution is a major health problem, and it is important to take steps to improve air quality.
- The need to increase energy security: Carbon-free zones can help to increase energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are a finite resource, and they are becoming increasingly expensive. Carbon-free zones can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and make energy more secure.
- The potential for economic benefits: Carbon-free zones can create jobs in the clean energy sector and boost economic growth. The clean energy sector is a growing sector, and it is expected to create millions of jobs in the coming years. Carbon-free zones can help to create these jobs and boost economic growth.
In addition to these reasons, there is also a growing public awareness of the need to act on climate change. This awareness is driving a demand for carbon-free zones. As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, carbon-free zones will become increasingly important.
Here are some of the specific impacts of carbon-free zones:
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Carbon-free zones can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and switching to low-carbon transportation. This can help to mitigate climate change and its effects, such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, and droughts.
- Improved air quality: Carbon-free zones can also help to improve air quality by reducing air pollution from vehicles and other sources. This can improve public health and reduce the number of premature deaths from respiratory illnesses.
- Increased energy security: Carbon-free zones can help to increase energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are a finite resource, and they are becoming increasingly expensive. Carbon-free zones can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and make energy more secure.
- Economic benefits: Carbon-free zones can create jobs in the clean energy sector and boost economic growth. The clean energy sector is a growing sector, and it is expected to create millions of jobs in the coming years. Carbon-free zones can help to create these jobs and boost economic growth.
There are many countries that are leading the way in the development of carbon-free zones such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and China. These are just a few examples of the many countries that are leading the way in the development of carbon-free zones. As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, these countries will play an increasingly important role in mitigating climate change and protecting the environment.
Türkiye’s initiatives and its role in Carbon Free Zones.
Turkey is taking the development of carbon-free zones seriously. In 2021, the Turkish government announced a plan to create 100 carbon-free zones by 2030. The plan includes investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and public transportation.
The Turkish government has also set a goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 21% by 2030. This goal is in line with the Paris Agreement, an international agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
To achieve its goals, Turkey will need to invest heavily in renewable energy. The country has a wealth of renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Turkey is also investing in energy efficiency measures, such as insulation and smart meters.
The Turkish government is also promoting the use of public transportation and electric vehicles. The government has introduced subsidies for electric vehicles and has made investments in public transportation infrastructure.
The development of carbon-free zones is a major undertaking, but Turkey is making progress. The country has a clear plan and is investing in the necessary infrastructure. If Turkey is successful in its efforts, it will be a major player in the global fight against climate change.
Here are some of the specific things that Turkey is doing to promote the development of carbon-free zones:
- Investing in renewable energy: Turkey has set a goal of generating 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The country has made significant investments in solar and wind power, and it is also exploring the development of geothermal energy.
- Promoting energy efficiency: Turkey is also investing in energy efficiency measures, such as insulation and smart meters. These measures can help to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
- Supporting the use of public transportation: Turkey is also promoting the use of public transportation. The government has introduced subsidies for public transportation fares, and it is also investing in new public transportation infrastructure.
- Encouraging the use of electric vehicles: Turkey is also encouraging the use of electric vehicles. The government has introduced tax breaks for electric vehicles, and it is also building charging stations across the country.
To promote the carbon free zone initiative, Turkish government recently passed a regulation to establish carbon free zones in the country. The regulation, which was published in the Official Gazette on July 1, 2023, defines a carbon free zone as an area where businesses can operate without emitting greenhouse gases.
The regulation provides several incentives for businesses to operate in carbon free zones, including tax breaks, subsidies, and access to government funding. It also sets out several requirements that businesses must meet to qualify for these incentives, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing their waste output.
The government hopes that the regulation will help to reduce Turkey's carbon emissions and promote the development of a green economy. The regulation is also expected to attract foreign investment to Turkey, as businesses look to set up operations in carbon free zones.
Here are some of the key provisions of the regulation:
- Businesses operating in carbon free zones will be exempt from paying corporate income tax for the first five years.
- They will also be eligible for a 50% reduction in property taxes.
- The government will provide financial support to businesses to help them invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
- Businesses will be required to meet certain environmental standards, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing their waste output.
The regulation is expected to come into force in January 2024. This is a positive development for Turkey, as it shows the government's commitment to addressing climate change. The regulation is also expected to boost the Turkish economy, as it will attract foreign investment and create jobs.