Cars on a highway with white smoke emitting from smokestacks in the background.

Turkey surpasses Germany as Europe's biggest fossil fuel polluter

Turkey’s reliance on coal-fired power pushed its carbon emissions past Germany’s in 2024, reflecting a broader shift of Europe’s industrial pollution from its traditional hubs to regions with looser environmental regulations.

Gavin Maguire reports for Reuters.

In short:

Turkey’s power sector emitted 154.5 million metric tons of CO2 in 2024, slightly surpassing Germany for the first time.
Coal accounted for 35% of Turkey’s electricity generation, making it the only major European economy to increase fossil fuel emissions last year.
Lower power costs and a growing industrial sector have driven manufacturing from Germany to Turkey, reinforcing its dependence on coal.

Why this matters:

Turkey’s reliance on coal and natural gas has intensified as it seeks to power its expanding industrial sector, attracting businesses that may be fleeing stricter regulations elsewhere. This trend complicates global efforts to curb emissions, as reductions in one region can be offset by increases in another. Meanwhile, Turkey’s strategic position as an energy hub means its policies will have ripple effects across Europe and beyond.

www.reuters.com

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