Legal and Administrative Challenges in Integrating the Climate Action Plans with Spatial Strategic Plans in Türkiye

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most significant global and urban challenges of our time.  Since 2011, climate action plans have been prepared in Türkiye, particularly by metropolitan municipalities, to define mitigation and adaptation strategies for
urban areas. These strategies largely require spatial interventions. On the other hand, spatial development is governed by strategic spatial plans. However, these two planning processes proceed independently. Due to the absence of integrated decision-making and implementation mechanisms between them, both sets of plans remain limited to written documents, and expected outcomes cannot be achieved. In this context, the study aims to identify the legal and administrative barriers to integrating climate adaptation strategies into spatial plans and to develop recommendations for sustainable urban development. A mixed-methods approach was adopted in the study, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods through content analysis and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The study population consists of 13 metropolitan municipalities in Türkiye that had published Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) as of 2025. The selected sample covers approximately 92% of the study population, providing a high level of representativeness. Evaluations are made based on criteria related to energy management, land use, and integration among spatial plans.