Strategic visions of local governments in combating the climate crisis: a descriptive study on Türkiye and the EU

Abstract

The climate crisis, one of the most urgent global challenges of the 21st century, has profound environmental, economic, social, and political consequences. Cities, as the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions, are central to both mitigation and adaptation strategies. This study examines the role of local governments in combating climate change through a descriptive analysis of policy documents from municipalities in Türkiye and the European Union. Rather than focusing on on-the-ground implementations, the research analyzes strategic visions and official climate action plans to highlight three critical functions of local governments: implementing climate policies, regulating urban development, and fostering citizen participation. Findings reveal that while Turkish municipalities—such as Istanbul with its Climate Vision 2050 and Izmir with its SECAP plan—have made notable progress, they continue to face challenges related to financing, centralization, and limited public engagement. In contrast, EU municipalities benefit from stronger institutional structures, diversified funding mechanisms, and robust citizen participation. The comparative analysis suggests that Türkiye can strengthen its climate governance by expanding international cooperation, diversifying financial resources, and enhancing participatory mechanisms. The study emphasizes that local governments are indispensable actors in building resilient and sustainable cities, and that their proactive participation is vital for achieving national and global climate goals.