Turkey's Green Transition Roadmap: National Just Transition Strategy and Action Plan Published

The circular published in the Official Gazette, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, marks a critical turning point in Turkey's fight against climate change. The 'National Just Transition Strategy and Action Plan (2027-2029)', prepared in line with the 2053 net-zero emission target, presents a comprehensive roadmap that will reshape the country's economic and social structure by managing the effects of green and digital transformation on working life. This strategy aims for a holistic development model that covers a wide spectrum, from production to employment, and from skill acquisition to social protection, rather than just an environmental transformation.

Based on the legal framework provided by the Climate Law No. 7552, dated July 2, 2025, the circular centers on the principle of 'leaving no one behind' during the transformation process. Prepared under the coordination of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, this plan is designed in full harmony with the Twelfth Development Plan (2024-2028) and the National Employment Strategy (2025-2028).

Background of the Development

After becoming a party to the Paris Climate Agreement, Turkey adopted the 2053 net-zero emission target as a national vision. This vision necessitates a radical structural transformation in all sectors, from industry to energy, and from agriculture to transportation. However, it is recognized that this transformation is not only a technical process but also a socio-economic one.

Historically, the effects of industrial revolutions on working life are often remembered for the hardships experienced during transition periods. This time, by including the concept of 'just transition' in its legislation, Turkey has prioritized ensuring the adaptation of employees and businesses to changing conditions, increasing decent work, and strengthening social protection mechanisms. While Climate Law No. 7552 forms the legal basis of this strategy, the circular establishes the necessary administrative mechanisms to operationalize this vision.

The strategy is designed to cover the 2027-2029 period and is based on considering the sectors, regions, and groups affected by the transformation in different ways. This approach is a strategic move aimed at protecting Turkey's industrial infrastructure while increasing its competitiveness in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Expert and Industry Insights

Experts in economy and environmental policy describe this strategy as the most concrete and inclusive step in Turkey's green transition process. Experts point out that the emphasis on skill alignment and social dialogue will minimize the social costs of the transformation. Industry representatives state that the plan provides predictability and facilitates the orientation of businesses towards green investments.

• Skill Alignment: Retraining the workforce in accordance with the green economy.
• Inclusive Transformation: Integration of disadvantaged regions and sectors into the process.
• Social Protection: Safeguards against potential employment losses during the transformation.
• Social Resilience: Increasing economic and social resistance against the effects of climate change.
• Sectoral Policies: Reducing carbon footprints and increasing efficiency in priority sectors.

Experts emphasize that the success of this plan depends on the strength of coordination between public institutions, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. The coordinating role of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security is of critical importance in terms of involving social partners (unions and employer organizations) in the process.

Economic and Social Implications

The National Just Transition Strategy initiates an era of 'green growth' in Turkey's economic model. The transition from carbon-intensive sectors to green technologies will provide for the emergence of new job areas while encouraging existing jobs to become more sustainable. In the long term, this will protect Turkey's competitive power in international markets, especially against regulations such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Socially, this plan will act as a 'safety net'. Enabling workers affected by the transformation to acquire new skills will reduce the risk of unemployment and strengthen social justice. The adoption of social dialogue is of vital importance to prevent potential social tensions during the transformation process and to move forward with a common consensus.

In terms of market balances, this strategy is a clear signal for investors. An environment where businesses that comply with the green transition are incentivized and supported will ensure that capital is directed towards more sustainable projects.

Future Projections and Outlook

In the coming period, the monitoring and evaluation studies to be carried out by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security will be the fundamental elements that determine the success of the plan. The reports that the institutions designated as responsible in the Action Plan will submit to the Ministry every six months will ensure the transparency and accountability of the process.

The 2027-2029 calendar is seen as a critical threshold on the path to Turkey's 2053 target. During this period, it is expected that skill alignment programs will be expanded, green employment will be encouraged, and sectoral transformation will be accelerated. It has been made mandatory by the circular for public institutions to provide all kinds of support needed during the implementation of this strategy.

In conclusion, with this strategy, Turkey is putting forward not only an environmental policy but also a development and employment policy. Success will depend on how quickly and effectively the plan is implemented in the field, rather than remaining on paper.