Türkiye: environment

What are Turkey's greenhouse gas emissions?

Turkey's greenhouse gas emissions were 584.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, up 5.3% from 2023, according to TurkStat's inventory. Emissions per person were 6.8 tonnes, against 4.2 tonnes in 1990. The energy sector produced 71.8% of emissions, industrial processes 12.9%, agriculture 12.6% and waste 2.6%.

The inventory covers carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases, using UN climate convention methods. Energy sector emissions were 192.3% higher than in 1990. TurkStat's next release is due in March 2027.

Official sources: TurkStat: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Statistics, 1990-2024

Where does Turkey get its electricity from?

Coal generated 33.6% of Turkey's electricity in 2025, natural gas 23%, hydro 15.8%, wind 10.9%, solar 10.5% and geothermal 3.2%, according to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Generation rose 2.4% to 362.9 TWh and consumption 2.1% to 360.9 TWh. Installed capacity reached 126,944 MW at the end of August 2026.

Solar made up 22% of installed capacity and hydro 25.5%. Turkey had 43,844 power plants, including 41,749 solar plants.

Official sources: Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources: electricity (in Turkish)

What are Turkey's carbon dioxide emissions per person?

Turkey emitted 5.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2024, excluding land use, according to the World Bank. The figure was 5.2 tonnes in both 2023 and 2022.

The figure covers CO2 only. Including methane and other gases, Turkey's emissions were 6.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person in 2024, TurkStat reports. Coal is the largest source of electricity, and the energy sector produces most CO2.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Turkey · TurkStat: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Statistics, 1990-2024

How bad is air pollution in Turkey?

People in Turkey were exposed to an average of 26.4 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic metre of air in 2023, according to the World Bank. The figure was 27.7 in 2022 and 25.2 in 2021.

The PM2.5 figure is a modelled, population-weighted national average, so levels in large cities and industrial areas can be higher. The 2023 figure was 1.3 micrograms lower than in 2022.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure, Turkey

How much waste does Turkey produce?

Turkish municipalities collected 32.3 million tonnes of waste in 2024, or 1.09 kg per person per day, according to TurkStat. 88.9% was sent to waste treatment facilities and 10.9% to municipal dumps. In all, 120 million tonnes of waste, of which 42.2 million tonnes was hazardous, was generated by households, manufacturing, mining, power plants and industrial zones.

Treatment facilities include landfill sites as well as recycling and composting plants. Manufacturing produced 24.4 million tonnes and mining 40.5 million tonnes, excluding overburden.

Official sources: TurkStat: Waste Statistics, 2024

What are Türkiye's CO2 emissions per person?

5.4 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Türkiye for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 5.5 tonnes; its low point was 2005, at 3.5 tonnes. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 5.1 tonnes, and Türkiye placed 21st highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 45th highest.

How much greenhouse gas does Türkiye emit?

580 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in Türkiye for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. The peak was 582 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2021 and the low 321 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2005. It is 3rd highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 16th highest.

How much renewable energy does Türkiye use?

In 2021, the renewable share of final energy use in Türkiye was 12.0%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 11.4% (2017) to 15.3% (2005). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 20.4%, and Türkiye placed 41st highest of 50. World rank, highest first: 135th of 191.

How much of Türkiye is forest?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in Türkiye was 29.5%, according to the FAO. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 33rd highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 33.2%. World rank, highest first: 104th of 190.

What is air pollution like in Türkiye?

The latest figure from the Global Burden of Disease study, for 2023, is 26.4 micrograms per cubic metre. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at 27.9 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2009, at 24.8 micrograms per cubic metre. It is 5th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre. World rank, highest first: 59th of 192.

What share of Türkiye is protected land?

According to the UN Environment Programme, the share of land in protected areas in Türkiye was 7.0% in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2013. Europe & Central Asia median: 22.1%; Türkiye is 49th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 161st of 192.

Is Türkiye short of water?

According to the FAO, water stress in Türkiye was 47.9% in 2022. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 9th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 12.6%. World rank, highest first: 38th of 175.