What happened
Türkiye’s greenhouse-gas emissions increased by 4.2% in 2025 from a year earlier, moving the country into 13th place among the largest emitting countries, according to the European Commission Joint Research Centre’s 2026 global emissions report.
Among the 16 largest sources of emissions, Türkiye recorded the sharpest percentage increase. Australia, which will chair COP31 negotiations, ranked immediately behind Türkiye in 14th place. Iran’s emissions rose by 1.7%, while Saudi Arabia recorded a 1.3% increase.
The assessment uses values from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research, known as EDGAR, compiled by the European Commission with the International Energy Agency. It puts worldwide greenhouse-gas emissions at a record 54 gigatonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent in 2025, 0.7% above the 2024 level.
Why it matters
The figures place Türkiye’s emissions trajectory alongside its 2053 net-zero objective and its role as COP31 president. Climate Network, a coalition of civil-society organisations in Türkiye, said the continuing increase showed the need for an emissions-reduction policy consistent with that target.
The group called for an end to fossil-fuel-based investment, planning for a coal exit, removal of fossil-fuel incentives, renewable-energy deployment that protects nature and local residents, and just-transition measures for affected regions.
Background
The six largest emitters—China, the United States, India, the EU, Russia and Indonesia—were responsible for 62% of global emissions in 2025. The United States posted the largest absolute increase, with emissions up 2.2%. China’s emissions were broadly unchanged, rising 0.1%, while India’s fell 0.2%.
Six of the 16 largest emitters reduced their emissions in 2025: India, the EU, Russia, Brazil, Japan and Australia. EU emissions, excluding land use, land-use change and forestry, declined 0.2% from 2024 and were 35.6% below their 1990 level.
What's next
The report records emissions through 2025. Türkiye’s COP31 presidency will take place against these findings and the country’s stated 2053 net-zero goal.
