Businesses expect action in Copenhagen

Turkish businesspeople are closely monitoring the discussions concerning the world climate summit to take place in Copenhagen in December. 

The basic goal of the summit is to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Turkey, which signed the protocol as a “developed country,” may be obliged to make big promises unless it plays an active role. Businesspeople have requested that Turkey attend the Copenhagen meetings as a “developing country” and be prepared to learn its lessons at the bargaining table.

The Kyoto Protocol obliges developed countries to reduce their carbon emissions based on 1990 levels. On the other hand, developing countries do not have any obligations within the scope of the protocol. They are, however, also expected to take steps to reduce their carbon emissions.

The December conference will try to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is to terminate in 2012, and lay the foundations of a new accord. A great debate, meanwhile, is expected on carbon emissions between developed and developing countries. According to experts, the final agreement will appear at the December 2010 COP16 Mexico City Summit.

Turkey’s per capita green house emissions stand at 5.2 tons, a 119 percent increase between 1990 and 2007. Carbon emissions in developed countries, however, are five times higher than in Turkey, according to business commentators.

Haluk Özdalga, president of Parliament’s Environment Commission, said Turkey will act together with countries such as European Union candidate Croatia. However, experts do not find think this plan is very realistic.

According to Yunus Arıkan, Cities Climate Center manager at the Local Governments for Sustainability, or ICLEI, it would be very hard for Turkey and Croatia to pursue a joint policy. Turkey may establish an engagement group with OECD members not currently included in Kyoto Protocol Annex-B, such as South Korea, Mexico, Chile and Israel. This way, Turkey may have a chance to create a list particular to itself and lead the countries that are seeking a solution.

If Turkey does not perform well, it may become a spectator rather than being an actor, according to Osman Coşkunoğlu, a deputy of the Republican People’s Party, or CHP. Turkey is not prepared for Copenhagen, he said: “We boast of being the 17th largest economy [in the world]. We should be able to use this power in international arenas, but in order to pressure other countries we should first clean up our own home.”

Murat Sungur Bursa, chairman of Zorlu Energy Group, said Turkey should have an active role in the global climate talks after 2012 and prepare strategies to limit emissions within the framework of sustainable development targets. “It is not possible for Turkey to undertake the responsibility of emission reductions at the level of developed countries,” he said.

“As energy sector players, we should prioritize developing our renewable energy potential, and focus on the use of environmental-friendly technologies and techniques as well as supporting research and development activities,” said Bursa.

Turkey should be included in the global solution to reach emission reduction goals, said Turgay Durak of the Automotive Manufacturers Association. The EU aims to shift to vehicles with lower CO2 emissions, an issue that is likely to emerge in Turkey as well. Designating vehicles over a certain age as scrap should be viewed as an important project within the scope of national CO2 reduction activities, Durak said.

Turkey’s cement sector, meanwhile, needs a 60 percent growth within 10 years, said Adnan İğnebekçili, chairman of the Turkish Cement Manufacturers’ Association. “Our aim is to see lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

Meanwhile, Duygu Erten, vice president of the Turkish Green Building Council, said it is possible to reduce energy consumption by 30 to 50 percent in buildings without causing high increase in investment costs. Government incentives are crucial to encourage investors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, she said.