**4. Global warming and environmental policy in Turkey**

Developing countries, while varying in size and population, political system, economic structure, bear many similarities. They are facing less favourable economic circumstances, worsening environmental degradation and challenges in curbing climate changes. The present paper [1] only focuses on the issues of contradictory objectives, unrealistic standards and limited public participation.

Policy makers in developing countries are well aware of the importance of environmental protection. However, more often than not, they are placed in a dilemma when left to balance between economic growth and environment. Conflicts often rise between social, environmen‐ tal and economic objectives [1,23]. The headlong pursuit of economic growth is the cornerstone of developing countries. A top Turkish environmental official accepted that economic growth must take precedence over environmental protection for years to come because the former is not only of great importance to maintaining political stability but also to funding the environ‐ mental clean-up. This very contradictory objective in developing countries is well materialized in the implementation of "Polluter Pays Principles" (the PPP), the value of which is dramati‐ cally belabored. A good example can be found in the way the governments deal with stateowned enterprises (SOEs) in emissions abatement.

On the other hand, for developing countries, great importance should be attached to the acceleration of environmentally responsible development rather than following the past, and arguably the present, path of the industrial world in pursuit of "unrestricted economic growth without considerations to its effects on the natural environment".

Public unawareness of environmental impacts presents a serious impediment in developing countries to effectively implementing environmental policies. Frequently decisions are made in the absence of environmental information in these countries [1,23]. In addition, environ‐ mental impacts are normally exposed to the purview of selected environmental departments, and offices in charge, and expert researchers. The public tend to be left in the dark about the seriousness of the worsening environment they are living in, the costs to their health and quality of life, and the opportunity of helping policy-makers to improve the environment. The lack of environmental awareness has resulted in indifference to environmental degradation, an absence of self-regulating motivation and, above all, a lack of enthusiasm to be involved in monitoring polluting operations and enterprises. Public participation could be a cost-effective method of implementing environmental policy, especially for those countries chronically short of funds and trained human resources.

Since possible results of the global warmth gradually started to form the most basic problem on environmental basis, "Framework Convention on Climate Changes" (FCCC) is constituted which was due on March 21, 1994 followed by its approval by 50 countries after being first approved in Rio Environment and Development Conference held in 1992. Aim of the Con‐ vention is to keep the concentration of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere at a constant level necessary to prevent its hazardous man caused impact on climate system. On the other hand, international society will come to a common decision in Conference of Parties (COP) held annually where all participating countries are closely involved in decision making process. The countries in Convention's Appendix-1 list decided by Kyoto Protocol to be due between 2008 and 2012 will be forced to reduce total emission level of gases (CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs) that have direct greenhouse effect 5% below the level in 1990 [1,24].
