The politics of environment and climate change

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315143842

The decline of Turkey’s environmental and climate policies and a weakening of its environmental legislation are closely related to rising authoritarianism. Furthermore, a new form of neoliberal development, which focuses on natural resource exploitation, land rent, construction, and other energy- and pollution-intensive sectors and megaprojects, ensures more environmental destruction. Turkey’s uncommitted and protective climate policy position stemmed from how the country saw itself as an ever-developing nation as well as Turkey’s coal-oriented energy policies. This chapter spotlights the policies and conflicts underpinning Turkish environmental and climate politics. The major dynamics of the recent decline of environmental protection as well as the main challenges for the future are discussed.