The “Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2026” report of the European Commission Joint Research Center, based on EDGAR data, revealed a remarkable picture for Türkiye. Türkiye’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 reached approximately 610.8 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
24 MILLION TONS IN ONE YEAR
Türkiye’s emissions increased from 586.4 million tons in 2024 to 610.8 million tons in 2025. Thus, the increase in one year was approximately 24.4 million tons. With an increase of 4.2 percent, Türkiye ranked first among the world’s 16 largest emission sources. Türkiye’s share in global emissions also increased to 1.13 percent. The long-term picture is more striking. While Türkiye’s emissions were measured as approximately 226 million tons in 1990, today emissions have increased by approximately 170 percent compared to 1990.
BREAKED A WORLD RECORD
According to the report, global greenhouse gas emissions increased by 0.7 percent in 2025, reaching over 54 billion tons and breaking a new record. China, the USA, India, the European Union, Russia and Indonesia alone were responsible for 62 percent of global emissions. On the other hand, China’s emission increase remained at 0.1 percent, while India, the EU, Russia, Brazil, Japan and Australia reduced their emissions. The USA, on the other hand, achieved the largest absolute emission increase in the world with an increase of 2.2 percent.
EUROPE IS DECREASING
The difference between Türkiye and the European Union is also striking. While the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions will decrease by 0.2 percent in 2025, the current level is approximately 36 percent below 1990 levels. In Türkiye, emissions increased by over 170 percent in the same period.
CRITICAL TABLE BEFORE COP31
The development that increases the importance of the figures is that Türkiye will assume the presidency of COP31, which will be held in Antalya on 9-20 November 2026. Australia will lead the negotiations. Climate Network states that the latest data are not compatible with Türkiye’s 2053 net zero target and calls for planning a phase-out from coal, removing fossil fuel incentives and accelerating renewable energy investments.
