Ecological footprint as an indicator of sustainable development and Turkey

Sustainable development requires to protect the needs of the environment's ability to meet present and future needs while creating economic development. Conventional energy production and consumption habits have negative effects on the scale of countries, regions and entirely the world. The use of fossil fuels as the main source of the energy production causes carbon dioxide and all other greenhouse gas emissions spread in the atmosphere. Consequently, the majority of developed and developing countries, including Turkey, face the ecological deficit problem. The aim of this research is to emphasize the necessity of using renewable energy sources in Turkey in the name of reducing the carbon footprint rates. Clean energy production and consumption is vital in terms of reaching environmental, social and economic sustainability. Moreover, replacing fossil fuel use into environmental friendly renewable energy sources will undoubtedly create high efficiency in the energy production. Keywords: Sustainable Development, Ecological Footprint, Carbon Footprint,Turkey