Turkey's green economy journey: National and local dynamics of sustainable development

The Climate Crisis and the New Development Paradigm

The 21st century is facing perhaps one of the greatest challenges in human history: THE CLIMATE CRISIS. Reaching the limits of the growth model based on fossil fuels, the depletion of natural resources, and increasing environmental pollution have made the classical understanding of development unsustainable. The “GREEN ECONOMY,” which comes into play at this point, represents a new approach where economic growth and environmental sustainability can coexist.

Turkey has begun to take significant steps toward adapting to this transformation, especially since the 2020s. However, the success of sustainable development will be possible not only through centralized policies but also through the will for transformation at the local level, public-private sector collaborations, and social awareness. In this context, Bursa and Adana stand out as two powerful local actors that set an example for Turkey's green transformation process. Both cities distinguish themselves with various projects and collaborations in areas such as eco-friendly production, reducing carbon footprints, and the circular economy.

Foundations of the Green Economy: Conceptual and Policy Framework

The green economy is a development model based on low carbon emissions, high resource efficiency, and social inclusion. This approach is not limited to environmental policies; it requires structural transformation in many sectors, from energy to industry, agriculture to transportation, and urban planning to finance.

Turkey's National Policies and Commitments

Paris Climate Agreement and Net Zero Target (2053) Turkey ratified the Paris Agreement in 2021 and adopted the “net zero emissions” target for 2053.

Green Development Revolution Announced by President Erdoğan in 2021, this policy placed environmental sustainability at the center of the development strategy.

• 12th Development Plan (2024–2028): Within the scope of the plan, it is aimed to increase the share of renewable energy to over 55%, expand zero-waste practices, reduce emissions by up to 41%, and establish a carbon pricing mechanism.

• Alignment Process with the EU Green Deal: For Turkey, which exports half of its goods to the EU, complying with the EU's “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)” has become both an environmental and economic necessity.

Application Areas of the Green Economy: Sectoral Reflections of Transformation

Energy Transition: The share of renewable energy in Turkey's total electricity production reached 42% as of 2023. The 2035 target is for solar and wind to exceed 30% of total energy production. Konya, Şanlıurfa, and Adana are seen at the forefront of solar energy investments.

Industry and Carbon Footprint: The industrial sector is responsible for 35% of total emissions in Turkey. Organized Industrial Zones (OIZs) are being restructured as Green OIZs based on criteria such as efficient water use, energy saving, and waste recycling, and Bursa is a pioneer in this field.

Agriculture and Food Security: Climate change directly threatens water resources and agricultural productivity. Practices such as drip irrigation, organic farming, agrivoltaic systems (agriculture + solar energy), and carbon sink areas are being expanded.

Transportation and Urban Infrastructure: Electric vehicles and charging station infrastructures are developing rapidly. Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP) are being prepared at the municipal level. Public transport fleets are being converted to electric in cities like Bursa and Konya.

BURSA: An Inclusive Green Model from Industrial Transformation to Urban Resilience

Bursa demonstrates a transformation in a wide range of areas from industry to transportation in sustainable development.

Green Practices in Industry and OIZs: The Bursa OIZ (Organized Industrial Zone) became one of the first regions in Turkey to make carbon footprint reporting mandatory. In 2023, the Hasanağa OIZ provided rooftop solar power plant (SPP) installations for 35 industrial facilities with the “Factory Producing from the Sun” project. The Bursa Commodity Exchange prepared more than 250 companies for transformative steps by providing training on “Carbon Footprint and Climate Risk Management.”

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Nilüfer Municipality has started to meet a large portion of its energy needs in municipal buildings with rooftop SPPs. BURULAŞ (Bursa Transportation) has launched pilot applications to support the energy requirements of metro stations with solar and geothermal energy.

Urban Planning and Transportation: Within the scope of the Bursa Transportation Master Plan (BUAP), the share of public transport will be increased to 45% by 2035, a bicycle path network reaching 200 km will be established, and all municipal buses in the city center will become electric. Bursa Metropolitan Municipality is expanding climate-resilient urban furniture such as green roofs, vertical gardens, and permeable asphalt applications in the Nilüfer and Osmangazi districts.

Green City Action Plan (GCEP): Within the framework of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)-supported Green City Action Plan, Bursa focused on the following targets in 2024: 40% emission reduction by 2030, “GREEN CORRIDORS” that will reduce the urban heat island effect by 20%, and 100% wastewater recovery.

Academic and Civil Participation: Uludağ University and Bursa Technical University have launched “GREEN CAMPUS” practices. Practices such as bicycle transportation, renewable energy, and composting systems are active on these campuses. The “Bursa Climate Platform” is one of the few local climate platforms in Turkey where NGO, university, and industry representatives work together.

ADANA: A Green Vision Expanding from Agricultural Resilience to Urban Energy

Adana is expanding its green vision in many areas, from climate-friendly agriculture to organized industrial transformation.

Climate-Compatible Practices in Agriculture: The Adana Agriculture Platform aimed for 40% water savings with drip irrigation, 25% yield increase with compost fertilizer, and the establishment of a local seed bank through its pilot of climate-friendly practices on 80 farms in 2023. The Adana Union of Chambers of Agriculture published the “Agricultural Carbon Footprint Calculation Guide” in 2024, and in addition, farms producing organic citrus in Karataş and Yumurtalık have started to meet the carbon certification requirement for exports.

Solar Energy and Agricultural Electrification: The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry provided SPP conversion grants to more than 300 irrigation cooperatives in Adana, and as a result, the İmamoğlu district saved 7 million TL in energy annually by installing a 5 MW cooperative SPP with irrigation unions. The Sarıçam SPP Valley Project will provide direct energy supply to the region with a total capacity of 200 MW.

Urban Infrastructure and Transformation: With the Adana Climate Action Plan approved in 2024, the targets are a 30% reduction in urban transport-related emissions by 2030, increasing the “green space per capita” ratio to 10 m² in every neighborhood, and separating 50% of household waste by 2025 with the “Zero Waste Adana” application.

Sustainable Transportation and Mobility: Seyhan Municipality completed its 60 km bicycle path network plan in 2024 and expanded the smart bicycle rental system “SEYBİS.” Yüreğir Municipality saved on fuel costs with electric municipal service vehicles.

Local Government and International Cooperation: Adana joined the “Climate Adapted Cities Alliance” in 2023, and therefore, knowledge exchange is being provided through the EU-supported “Climate Resilient Cities” project conducted with the Murcia Municipality of Spain.

Green OIZ Certificate: The Adana Hacı Sabancı Organized Industrial Zone (AOSB) received the "Green OIZ" certificate by meeting sustainability criteria. This certificate is considered an important step in the fields of eco-friendly production and energy efficiency.

Green Summit-2 Meeting: The Adana Chamber of Industry (ADASO) collaborated with 30 companies to conduct carbon footprint measurements and prepared green roadmaps for the firms. These efforts play an important role in achieving sustainable industrial goals.

Challenges and Opportunities

•Challenges Faced: The financing and transformation capacity of SMEs, the lack of expertise in local governments, and the continuation of fossil fuel subsidies make the process difficult.

New Opportunity Areas: International funds (IPARD, World Bank, EBRD) and climate loans are seen as opportunity areas for new employment fields such as energy engineering, environmental law, carbon accounting, sustainable tourism, and rural development potential.

Conclusion: A Transformation Shaping the Future

The green economy is no longer just an environmental choice for Turkey; it has become a strategic, economic, and social necessity. This transformation is both shaped by national policies and strengthened by examples coming from the local level. At this point, Bursa and Adana stand out as two important cities that come to the fore in the journey of sustainable development.

Sustainable development is a holistic model based on environmental balance, social justice, and intergenerational responsibility. As a Native American proverb says: “The earth was not inherited from our ancestors, we borrowed it from our children.” This approach strongly reminds us how our decisions today shape tomorrow.

Sustainable development, which has become a global priority since the late 20th century, has become applicable today with the green economy understanding supported by principles such as low carbon emissions, resource efficiency, and circular economy. Development is now defined not by destroying nature, but by living in harmony with nature in a way that leaves a livable world for future generations.

Bursa stands out with its zero-waste and smart urbanism practices by combining its industry with eco-friendly production and reducing its carbon footprint. The “Green Growth Project,” carried out under the leadership of the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, makes significant contributions toward reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and minimizing environmental impacts. At the same time, some district municipalities, especially the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, are trying to build sustainable development and green economy goals from the local level with zero-waste practices, smart urbanism solutions, and nature-friendly urban projects.

Adana, on the other hand, draws attention with the transformation it has carried out, especially in organized industrial zones. The Hacı Sabancı OIZ receiving the “Green OIZ” certificate and recycling-focused fairs make the city a center for sustainable industry.

These two cities reveal that the green economy is a paradigm that transforms not only the environment but also production, employment, and quality of life.

If we want to leave a livable world to future generations, it is our common responsibility to support this transformation and multiply local success stories.