The Paradigm of Sustainability In Turkey's Energy Sector

• Published in: Energy sources. Part B, Economics, planning and policy Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 83 - 95
• Main Author: Kaygusuz, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01-01-2011
• Subjects: Cultural aspects; Economics; energy consumption; Energy policy; Energy sources; environmental pollution; Ethics; Natural resources; Policies; Sustainability; Turkey; Turkey
• ISSN: 1556-7249; 1556-7257
• DOI: 10.1080/15567240802458906

The concept of sustainability can be a way to understand the dynamics of reality and to consider not only the economic growth but also the social, environmental and cultural aspects of development. This new paradigm questions the role of nature as an instrument only to satisfy human needs and brings into consideration the rational use of natural resources through responsible environmental policies keeping in mind the needs of future generations. Economic growth, considered as the notion of progress, brings intrinsically not only the extensive nature of exploitation but also the intensification of energy use. Energy sources become, then, a strategic variable for economic development. The energy policy of Turkey is an appropriate case study for the paradigm of sustainability overview as it is characterized by isolated initiatives and programs, which culminated into a huge crisis. This article aims to discuss the concepts of sustainability and ethics through the analysis of the Turkish energy policy and its social and environmental implications.