Morocco has secured the 9th spot globally in the 2024 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), published by the German environmental organization Germanwatch e.V.
The CCPI report highlights Morocco’s strong performance, particularly in the areas of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Energy Use, where the country ranks 10th worldwide.
Morocco’s impressive standing is attributed to its low GHG emissions, strides toward enhanced energy efficiency, and progress in renewable energy production.
One of Morocco’s standout achievements is in the Climate GHG 2030 Target sub-index, where it ranks second globally. The country has set an ambitious target of reducing GHG emissions by 45.5% by 2030, compared to a ‘business-as-usual’ (BAU) scenario.
However, despite its ambitious green agenda, Morocco’s energy mix continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels. CCPI experts have voiced concerns over the government’s plans to explore domestic oil and gas reserves.
The Ministry of Energy argues that natural gas is crucial for facilitating the transition to green energy, as it can mitigate the intermittency of renewable sources.
Call for Stronger Climate Policies
While Morocco is recognized for its large-scale renewable energy projects, CCPI experts suggest that more needs to be done to alleviate the high costs of green energy. They also point out that citizens producing solar energy are not yet connected to the national grid and that biomass production remains limited to mountainous areas.
Experts further urge the Ministry of Agriculture to address environmental issues that threaten the country’s biodiversity. The report warns that deforestation is leading to soil erosion, which in turn causes flooding, damages infrastructure, and harms natural ecosystems and local communities.
As one of Morocco’s largest sectors, agriculture is in need of a just transition. The report highlights concerns over the cultivation of water-intensive crops, excessive groundwater pumping, and the use of diesel pumps, which are either poorly regulated or regulations are not effectively enforced.
While the Ministry of Agriculture has integrated water conservation and environmental protection into its programs in recent years, the report notes that implementation and enforcement have been lacking.
Recommendations for Policy Enhancements
The experts recommend several policy measures, including the development of both utility-scale and small-scale, community-centered solar and wind projects, with strict adherence to social and environmental safeguards.
They also suggest that solar energy should be subsidized, and efforts should be concentrated on reducing fossil fuel consumption.
Installing drip irrigation systems and solar pumps is advised to minimize water wastage and fuel use. In addition, the promotion of more sustainable agricultural practices and better preservation of natural ecosystems are essential.
Morocco is viewed as an active and supportive player in international climate politics. However, experts call for policies that further reduce fossil fuel use and enhance ecological protection.