Evaluation of development plans in terms of sustainability and climate change policies

In the 21st century, economic growth, population increase and urbanization have significantly heightened energy demand. This demand is predominantly met through fossil fuels, resulting in environmental pollution and damage. Environmental sustainability affects various global issues, such as climate change, growth and development. Prioritizing environmental sensitivity at both national and global levels is crucial for sustaining the quality of life for future generations. In Turkey, policies regarding sustainable development and climate change are shaped by both national and international approaches within the framework of the United Nations goals. This study aims to analyze how the issue of sustainable development is addressed in Turkish state policies and the solutions proposed within relevant texts. The objective of the study is to determine the extent to which sustainability, environmental, and climate change policies have been included in the five-year development plans prepared and implemented in Turkey since 2001. The study employs qualitative research methods, specifically document analysis, to examine the Development Plans. The findings indicates that environmental protection and sustainability issues have been increasingly addressed in each plan, starting from the 8th Five-Year Development Plan, where climate change policies were first implemented. These issues are particularly detailed in the currently valid 12th Plan. Given the significant global challenge of climate change, including this issue in development plans is meaningful. However, Turkey has not yet fully achieved environmental sustainability, the study suggests that achieving the targeted outcomes in climate change will be possible through the determined and effective implementation of the policies outlined in the Development Plans. Otherwise, the targets related to environmental sustainability and climate change will remain merely as objectives and will not align with reality. Keywords: Development, Development Plans, Sustainability, Climate Change, Environment, Turkiye.