Policy coherence analysis of Türkiye’s lignite production and the Paris agreement ratification: an investigation through the water-energy-climate nexus

Abstract Lignite provides energy security and contributes economically. However, it also causes dirty outcomes in terms of climate aspect. In addition to the energy and climate dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals, there is also a water issue: lignite is usually found submerged below the local groundwater tables. Mining lignite could be exploited to achieve drinkable and agriculturally usable water. In today’s literature, while the impact of lignite production on global warming and emissions are already highly discussed, the water management side of the issue is regularly omitted. However, considering the complex interlink between these three areas (the Water-Energy-Climate (WEC) nexus) is necessary within policy coherence, which is mostly ignored even though it is one of the development targets. Here in this framework, Türkiye, which aims to reduce its heavy dependency on energy imports, is worth studying because almost all of its coal, the country’s largest fossil resource, is lignite. Therefore, this study examines the WEC nexus related to lignite production and combustion and seeks policy coherence between their outputs in the context of Türkiye’s historical steps to climate change mitigation, specifically oriented with the Paris Agreement. This story expands from the absence of specific development policy objectives to the practicalities of politics and economics.