Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel. In order to limit the increase in average surface temperature the 1.5°C target in the Paris Agreement, it is essential that we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to this end we should phase out and phase down the use of coal. Turkey’s carbon-intensive energy plans are at odds with climate policies that call for the expansion of renewable energy technologies. Turkey ratified the Paris Agreement, albeit late, and has mentioned a net-zero emissions target for 2053, but has yet to identify measures to support these two steps and a clear roadmap for decarbonising the economy.
According to Turkey’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) of 30 September 2015, if current policies are maintained, total emissions will increase to 1,175 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2e) by 2030. If we fulfil our commitment by ratifying the Paris Agreement, this figure will remain below 929 million tonnes. In other words, Turkey will double its 2013 greenhouse gas emissions. Under the Paris Agreement, Turkey is required to update its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) every five years. The new NDC is expected to be submitted to the UN Secretariat in 2022. The mitigation or limitation target that Turkey will set in the new submission is expected to be consistent with the “net zero emissions” target.
Turkey’s total greenhouse gas emissions were 523.9 million tonnes Mt CO2 equivalent in 2020. Energy-related emissions accounted for the largest share of GHG emissions with 70.2%, followed by agriculture with 14%, industrial processes and product use with 12.7% and the waste sector with 3.1%.
Turkey’s strategy of focusing on coal for power generation may be the main reason for the low and insufficient emission reduction target set during the Paris Agreement signature process.
The global cost of air pollution from fossil fuels has reached USD 8 billion per day, representing approximately 3.3% of world GDP. Air pollution has a detrimental impact on human health. The consequences of air pollution include increased vulnerability to respiratory infections, exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), eye irritation, respiratory cancers, an increased incidence of respiratory and circulatory diseases, and increased mortality. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified outdoor air pollution as a leading cause of cancer in humans.
Coal power plants represent a significant public health risk, contributing to elevated levels of air pollution in Turkey. Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. The total estimated cost of the impact attributed to fossil fuel-related air pollution in Turkey is between USD 14 and 30 billion. These costs reflect the impact on the Turkish economy, with the majority associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, the two most prevalent major chronic disease groups in Turkey. The financial burden of this health issue is borne by citizens, the national health budget, and the national economy in general, due to reduced productivity. It is estimated that between 28,000 and 58,000 premature deaths are associated with this problem.
The coal-fired power industry is one of the most polluting and has a significant impact on local communities. The discharge of hazardous waste from coal-fired power plants includes airborne particles, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dioxins, hydrochloric acid, ash, nitrogen oxides, radioactive substances and heavy metals.
The extraction, transport, preparation (including crushing, screening and washing) and combustion of coal all have a negative impact on the natural environment. The disposal of waste produced at each of these stages also has an adverse effect. The extraction and combustion of coal has a detrimental impact on the environment, leading to the destruction of forests, valleys and mountains. Furthermore, groundwater and surface water sources are polluted or dried up as a result of the mining process.The combustion of coal produces CO₂ gas, which is a contributing factor to climate change. Additionally, SO₂ gas is emitted during the process, which causes acid rain. The contamination of water resources at the point of formation is a significant environmental impact of coal waste. A considerable proportion of mercury in soil is introduced into the natural environment in this way.
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