The ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement and its involvement in the 'Green Agreement' process with the European Union (EU) accelerated the "green transformation" steps in the Turkish business world. However, while large holdings have already implemented green policies and announced their calendars for zero carbon emissions, small and medium-sized companies that make up 95 percent of the economy are still unaware of what steps to take and are in need of help. Acting on the preparation of the young business world for the process EGİAD Aegean Young Businessmen Association has been playing a guiding role for its members with various road maps for a while.
In this context, the business organization, acting together with the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry, carried out the 'Green Industry Guide from the European Union Green Consensus Window' prepared by EBSO to guide the industrialists. EGİAD introduced to its members. President of EBSO Environment Committee Erdoğan Çiçekçi, Ege University Bioengineering Department Faculty Member and EBSO Environmental Working Group Member Prof. Dr. At the meeting, which was held online with the participation of Nuri Azbar, the EU Green Consensus was reviewed and the steps to be taken for harmonization were evaluated on the basis of sectoral considerations.
The European Union has started to construct a new international trade system that is closely related to our country and the production sector. In line with this, the EU, which is preparing to put into effect the "European Union Green Deal", has set the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 within a certain program. In this context, in order not to interrupt our trade with the EU, which we provide a trade volume of 140 billion dollars, EGİAD A detailed evaluation meeting was held within the framework of the “Green Industry Guide from the Window of the European Union Green Consensus”, which will guide the members of the Aegean Young Businessmen Association. What does the Border Carbon Regulation include? How can it affect Turkey? What should our industrialists pay attention to? What needs to be done in the production process? Many uncertainties were discussed at the meeting, which included questions, other issues and solution suggestions.
EGİAD General Secretary Prof. Dr. Chairman of the Board of Directors Alp Avni Yelkenbiçer made the opening speech of the meeting, which was moderated by Fatih Dalkılıç. At the meeting held over Zoom, Yelkenbiçer pointed out that most of Turkey's exports are to the European Union (EU) countries and that the European Union Green Deal rules are of great importance. EGİAD informing our members, EBSO Environmental Working Group member Prof. Dr. We believe that it will be very useful to prepare an easily adaptable road map with Nuri Azbar's presentation. Although the European Union Green Agreement seems to bring new obstacles to our industry with its carbon applications at the border, it is possible to turn this new trade system in favor of our Turkish industrialists and to evaluate it as an opportunity with rapid adaptation and adaptation strategies. Pointing out that the European Union Green Agreement seems to pose some obstacles in front of our industrialists with carbon applications at the border, it also allows for the redistribution of cards, Yelkenbiçer said, “It is possible to turn and evaluate these regulations in our favor with today's agility and the right strategies. In this respect, it is extremely essential to quickly review the production processes of our industrial sectors with high energy and carbon intensity, from the perspective of the EU Green Consensus, and to take the necessary measures. Acting in this way, with the perspective that every threat contains an opportunity, the Green Agreement can also enable Turkey to support low-carbon production and thus increase its market share in exports to EU countries by gaining an advantageous position compared to high-carbon countries.
Includes 4 Billion Dollars of Taxes
Reminding that EU countries aim to reduce their carbon emissions by 24 percent until 2021 and to be carbon neutral until 2030, according to the climate law called “Green Agreement” approved by the European Parliament on June 55, 2050, Yelkenbiçer said, “Countries that have approved the said law will enter the European market. If they do not regulate the carbon emissions of the products and services they sell according to established standards, they will face an additional tax between 30 and 50 Euros per ton. The practice in the EU, which is Turkey's largest export market with a share of more than 50 percent, will also significantly affect Turkey's exports. According to the calculations, if the export world of Turkey does not implement the investments that will ensure compliance with the Green Deal, an annual tax burden of 4 billion dollars may arise in exports,” he warned.
We would like to be in the Green Consensus Working Group
Yelkenbiçer also stated that they want to take part in the "Green Reconciliation Working Group" formed on the Green Reconciliation Action Plan, and said, "The circular on the "Green Reconciliation Action Plan" prepared by the Ministry of Commerce was published in the Official Gazette in July, to monitor the implementation of the action plan and to follow up the implementation of the action plan. In order to ensure the necessary coordination, the “Green Reconciliation Working Group” was formed with the participation of 9 ministries. In order to assist the Working Group; It was emphasized that specialized working groups could be formed, and that, if needed, universities, non-governmental organizations, professional associations, private sector representatives related to the subject could be included, as well as related institutions and organizations, in all studies and meetings. we too EGİAD We are ready and willing to be a part of this group based on the work and preparations we have made as a company.”
President of EBSO Environment Committee Erdoğan Çiçekçi reminded that they have been bringing the greenhouse gas effects to the agenda as EBSO since 2012 and emphasized that it is understood once again how right and appropriate their work is as the issue affects commercial life. Expressing that greenhouse gas can be prevented with the number of afforestation, Çiçekçi emphasized that everyone has a responsibility at this point.
Ege University Bioengineering Department Lecturer and EBSO Environmental Working Group Member Prof. Dr. Nuri Azbar, on the other hand, emphasizing that a clear vision has been set on how to achieve the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, “While greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 1990 percent between 2018 and 23, the economy grew by 61 percent. But current policies will only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 percent by 60. Plans are underway to responsibly increase the EU's GHG emission reduction target for 2030 to at least 1990 percent, if possible 50 percent, compared to 55 levels. While the world was making plans to send a vehicle to Mars, it became unable to solve a gas problem on Earth. It is necessary to take urgent measures and studies in this regard," he said. Stating that the transition period of the Carbon Regulation at the Border will be between 2023 and 2025, Azbar stated that it will primarily be applied to the iron and steel, cement, fertilizer, aluminum and electricity sectors, and said, “After the transition period, it will enter into force in 2026. It will be evaluated whether the system will affect new sectors. It will be necessary to obtain certification through ETS. The carbon bill arising from Turkey's exports to the EU will be for 30 and 50 Euro/ton carbon.”
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